Stroll through Scripture for November 10, 2024

Based on Jonah 1:1–17; 3:1–10; 4:1–11

Jonah is a part of the prophetic books of Scripture. And the reality is that the book is a parable designed to teach a lesson. The author uses hyperbole and over the top language to make their point. And what is that point? That God’s love and mercy knows no bounds.

Nineveh was the capitol of Assyria, an enemy of Israel. In fact, the Assyrians would end up conquering the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, thus ending the kingdom. The whole notion that someone from Israel would go to a sworn enemy’s capitol, tell them to repent, and watch them receive forgiveness is over the top, but again, that’s the point. God is a God who does things that make no sense. God isn’t fair, and we should be grateful for that not only because it benefits us directly, but everyone.

We’re told that Jonah is the son of Amittai. The name Amittai is Hebrew for “truthful.” Jonah’s whole mission from God is to tell the truth to the Assyrian capitol and leadership and people. That’s what prophets do — they proclaim God’s truth.

Jonah doesn’t like what God is calling on him to do because he knows that if he goes to this arch-enemy and tells them to repent and they do it, then God will offer forgiveness to them. Jonah doesn’t want that. Jonah doesn’t want his enemy to receive grace. Jonah doesn’t want there to be well-being for his enemy. Jonah could easily fit into the political context of 21 stcentury America with that kind of attitude.