The Book Of Jonah
Author	Jonah
Date Written	Between 793 and 753 BC
Time Span	Uncertain
Title	From the book's author and chief character: Jonah
Background	Jonah-the only Old Testament prophet from Galilee-was born in Israel and grew up in a city called Gath-hepher, about 3 miles from Nazareth. Jonah is commissioned by God to preach repentance to the Gentile nation of Assyria and its capital of Nineveh. This is an especially hard assignment since the Assyrians have a brutal and oppressive reputation, in addition to being long standing enemies of Israel. King Jeroboam II reigns over Israel at this time.
Where Written	Near Jerusalem
To Whom	Primarily to Israel.
Content	Jonah's fear and pride cause him to run from God. He does not wish to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to the people-as God has commanded- because he feels they are his enemy, and he is convinced that God will not carry out his threat to destroy the city. Instead he boards a ship for Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction. Soon a raging storm causes the crew to cast lots to determine that Jonah is the problem. They throw him overboard, and he is swallowed by a great fish. In its belly for 3 days and 3 nights Jonah repents of his sin to God, and the fish vomits him up on dry land. Jonah then makes the 500 mile trip to Nineveh and leads the city in a great revival. But the prophet is displeased instead of thankful when Nineveh repents. Jonah learns his lesson, however, when God uses a wind, a gourd, and a worm to teach him that God is merciful.
Themes	We can never successfully hide from God. . .He sees our every move. God many times does His greatest works through the least likely candidates. What we may consider as impossible, God may consider as a great opportunity given to us. Regardless of our patriotism. . .we must never put our country ahead of our God. Regardless of our reputation, nationality, or race. . .God loves us. Rejoicing in the salvation of others is something God wants us to share with Him. God at times may use nature, animals, the weather or any other part of His Creation to bring us to a closer union with Him.
Key Words	“Fish”; “Revival.” Jonah is not merely swallowed by a great “fish”; this event illustrates God extending His helping hand to save the prophet. It gives Jonah a unique opportunity...to seek a unique deliverance. . .as he repents during this equally unique retreat. The “revival” which Jonah brings to Nineveh is one of the greatest evangelistic successes of all time.
Outline	1:1-1:17  Jonah flees from the Lord 2:1-2:10  Jonah is delivered from the fish 3:1-3:10  Jonah obeys God and goes to Nineveh 4:1-4:11  Jonah is angered at God's mercy
More	Audio of the Book of Jonah

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