Old TestamentMinor Prophets4 Chapters

Jonah

The reluctant prophet who runs from God's call to preach to Nineveh, is swallowed by a great fish, and after three days is vomited onto shore. When Nineveh repents, Jonah is angry — revealing the real theme: God's mercy extends even to Israel's enemies.

Author: Unknown · Written: c. 750-300 BC

🎯Key Themes

God's universal mercyRunning from GodRepentanceThe sign of JonahCompassion vs. self-righteousness

Famous Verses

Jonah 2:3

Out of my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me; from the belly of Sheol I cried for help, and you heard my voice.

Jonah 4:2

I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment.

📝Summary & Overview

God calls Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh, Israel's enemy. Jonah flees by ship, causes a storm, and is thrown overboard. Swallowed by a great fish, he prays from its belly and is delivered after three days — a sign Jesus applies to His own death and Resurrection (Matthew 12:40). Jonah finally preaches in Nineveh, the city repents, and God relents. Jonah is furious that God showed mercy to pagans, revealing his own lack of compassion.

📚Book Details

Author

Unknown

Written

c. 750-300 BC

Testament

Old Testament

Category

Minor Prophets

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