A prophet runs from God, and learns how far God’s mercy reaches.

Section
Old Testament, Minor Prophets
Book
32 of 66
Chapters
4
Written by
Not named; the story is about Jonah son of Amittai
When
Jonah lived in the 8th century BC
Written to
God’s people, then and now

The big picture

God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Israel’s enemy. Jonah runs the other way, a storm hits his ship, and he is thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. From inside it he prays, and God brings him out.

This time Jonah goes. Nineveh repents and God spares the city, and Jonah is angry. The book ends with God’s question to him about caring for a city full of people.

Why it was written

To show that God’s compassion reaches even the people we find hardest to love.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Jonah 1:1-3 – Jonah runs from God
  • Jonah 2:1-9 – Jonah prays from inside the fish
  • Jonah 3:10 – God sees Nineveh turn and shows mercy
  • Jonah 4:10-11 – God’s question about the great city

How it points to Jesus

Jesus said that as Jonah was three days and nights in the fish, so He would be three days and nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40). His death and resurrection are the great “sign of Jonah”, and His message of repentance is for every nation.

Themes and people

Themes: God’s mercy · Running from God · Repentance · Second chances · Love for enemies

People: Jonah · The sailors · The king of Nineveh

Study it together

  1. Where have you been tempted to run from something God asked you to do?
  2. Who is your “Nineveh”, the person or group you find it hard to want God to bless?
  3. God gave Jonah a second chance. Where do you need one?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.