Topical Encyclopedia Jonah, a prophet of the Lord, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, primarily known for his role in the Book of Jonah. He is recognized not only for his prophetic mission but also for his unique experience as an orator called to deliver God's message to the city of Nineveh. Jonah's account is a profound narrative of divine mercy, repentance, and the sovereignty of God over creation.Background and Calling Jonah, the son of Amittai, is introduced in 2 Kings 14:25, where he is identified as a prophet from Gath-hepher in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. His prophetic ministry is marked by a direct command from God to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and proclaim judgment against it due to its wickedness. The Book of Jonah begins with this divine commission: "The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me'" (Jonah 1:1-2). Reluctance and Flight Despite his calling, Jonah initially resists his role as an orator. Instead of heading to Nineveh, he attempts to flee from the presence of the Lord by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. This act of disobedience leads to a dramatic series of events, including a violent storm and Jonah's eventual casting into the sea, where he is swallowed by a great fish. Jonah's reluctance highlights the human tendency to resist God's will, yet it also sets the stage for a profound transformation. Repentance and Obedience While in the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing repentance. His prayer, recorded in Jonah 2, is a heartfelt plea for deliverance and a recognition of God's mercy: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice" (Jonah 2:2). After three days and nights, the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land, and the Lord reiterates His command for Jonah to go to Nineveh. Proclamation to Nineveh This time, Jonah obeys and travels to Nineveh, where he delivers a simple yet powerful message: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!" (Jonah 3:4). Despite the brevity of his proclamation, the impact is profound. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, believe God, declare a fast, and put on sackcloth as a sign of repentance. Even the king of Nineveh rises from his throne, removes his royal robes, and covers himself with sackcloth, issuing a decree for the entire city to turn from their evil ways and violence. Divine Mercy and Jonah's Reaction God sees the genuine repentance of the Ninevites and relents from the disaster He had threatened. This act of divine mercy, however, displeases Jonah, who becomes angry and questions God's compassion. The Lord's response to Jonah underscores His gracious and compassionate nature: "Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?" (Jonah 4:11). Significance Jonah's role as an orator is unique in that it demonstrates the power of God's word to bring about repentance and transformation, even in a foreign and hostile city like Nineveh. His account serves as a reminder of God's universal concern for all people and His willingness to extend mercy to those who turn from their wickedness. Jonah's experience also highlights the importance of obedience to God's call, the futility of attempting to flee from His presence, and the profound impact of delivering His message faithfully. Nave's Topical Index Jonah 3:4-10And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. Nave's Topical Index Library Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice Why all Things Work for Good The Book of Humanity But Now, Since My Pleading Has Steered Its Course Out of These ... The Bible in the Life of To-Day Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. Book iii. A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... The Creation of Moving Creatures. Letter cvii. To Laeta. Resources What does the Bible say about lawyers? | GotQuestions.orgWhy had the disciples in Ephesus not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)? | GotQuestions.org Who are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org Orator: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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