Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Jonas, more commonly known as Jonah, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. He is the central character in the Book of Jonah, which is part of the collection of the Minor Prophets. The narrative of Jonah is unique among the prophetic books, as it focuses more on the prophet's personal experience and less on his prophecies. The account of Jonah is a profound exploration of themes such as obedience, repentance, and God's mercy. Biblical Account: The Book of Jonah is a short narrative consisting of four chapters. It begins with God commanding Jonah, the son of Amittai, to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. Instead of obeying God's command, Jonah attempts to flee to Tarshish, boarding a ship in Joppa. "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port" (Jonah 1:3). As the ship sails, God sends a violent storm, threatening to break the vessel apart. The sailors, realizing that the storm is supernatural, cast lots to determine who is responsible, and the lot falls on Jonah. Jonah confesses that he is fleeing from the Lord and suggests that they throw him into the sea to calm the storm. Reluctantly, the sailors comply, and the sea becomes calm. "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm" (Jonah 1:15). God appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he remains in its belly for three days and three nights. During this time, Jonah prays to God, expressing his distress and repentance. "From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God" (Jonah 2:1). God commands the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land. God again instructs Jonah to go to Nineveh, and this time Jonah obeys. He enters the city, proclaiming that it will be overthrown in forty days. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, believe God, declare a fast, and put on sackcloth. Even the king of Nineveh repents, issuing a decree for all to turn from their evil ways. "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them" (Jonah 3:10). Jonah, however, becomes displeased and angry at God's mercy towards Nineveh. He retreats outside the city, where God provides a plant to give him shade. When God later causes the plant to wither, Jonah laments its loss. God uses this as a teaching moment, highlighting Jonah's concern for the plant and contrasting it with God's compassion for the people of Nineveh. "But the LORD said, 'You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and perished overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh...?'" (Jonah 4:10-11). Theological Themes: The account of Jonah is rich with theological insights. One of the primary themes is the sovereignty of God. Throughout the narrative, God's control over nature and events is evident, from the storm to the great fish, and even the plant. Jonah's account also emphasizes God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent, regardless of their past sins or status as outsiders to Israel. Another significant theme is the concept of obedience to God's will. Jonah's initial flight from God's command and his subsequent experiences highlight the futility of resisting divine instructions. The narrative also explores the tension between justice and mercy, as Jonah struggles with God's decision to spare Nineveh. New Testament References: Jonah is mentioned in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to him as a sign. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus compares His own death and resurrection to Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish. "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40). This comparison underscores the typological significance of Jonah's experience as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Conclusion: The account of Jonah serves as a powerful reminder of God's compassion and the call to obedience. It challenges believers to reflect on their own attitudes towards God's commands and His mercy towards others. The account of Jonah continues to resonate with readers, offering timeless lessons on faith, repentance, and divine grace. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Greek form of Jonah (Matthew 12:39, 40, 41, etc.). (2.) The father of the apostles Peter (John 21:15-17) and Andrew; but the reading should be (also in 1:42), as in the Revised Version, "John," instead of Jonas. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JONAS (1)jo'-nas (Ionas; the King James Version, Jonan): JONAS (2) jo'-nas (yonah, or yochanan; Iona): Greek 920. Barionas -- "son of Jonah," Bar-Jonah, a surname of Peter ... of Peter. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Barionas Phonetic Spelling: (bar-ee-oo-nas') Short Definition: Bar-Jonas Definition: Bar ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/920.htm - 6k 2495. Ionas -- Jonah, an Israelite prophet Library 'A Greater than Jonas' Justus Jonas The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ. 'Lovest Thou Me?' The Catechisms of the Church of England. AD 1549 and 1662. Matt. xii. 38, 39 The True Sign Of the Practice of Loving Indifference, in Things Belonging to the ... Psalm LXVI. By the Sea once More Thesaurus Jonas (11 Occurrences)... 2.) The father of the apostles Peter (John 21:15-17) and Andrew; but the reading should be (also in 1:42), as in the Revised Version, "John," instead of Jonas. ... /j/jonas.htm - 12k Lovest (13 Occurrences) Dearly (30 Occurrences) Attached (31 Occurrences) Ninevites (2 Occurrences) Save (375 Occurrences) Seeketh (60 Occurrences) Rise (417 Occurrences) Yea (867 Occurrences) Thus (1271 Occurrences) Resources Did Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jonas (11 Occurrences)Matthew 12:39 Matthew 12:40 Matthew 12:41 Matthew 16:4 Luke 11:29 Luke 11:30 Luke 11:32 John 1:42 John 21:15 John 21:16 John 21:17 Subtopics Jonas: Father of Peter: Called Jona Related Terms |
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