Jonah Introduction
Introduction
The book of Jonah is different from other books written by prophets. Most books by the prophets are collections of their writings and speeches. This book, however, tells the story about a prophet. It has only one sentence that is prophecy.
God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh which was the capital of Assyria. The people of Assyria had been enemies of Israel for a long time. God wants Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that they are going to be destroyed.
The book of Jonah is written like a play. It has two main acts with two scenes in each act. At the beginning of each act God commands Jonah to “Go to the great city of Nineveh.” The first scene in act one is set on a ship. It is headed away from Nineveh. Jonah is trying to avoid what God wants him to do. The second scene takes place in the belly of a huge fish. The fish has swallowed Jonah.
Both scenes in the second act are about the city of Nineveh. The first scene takes place inside the city. Jonah preaches to the people bringing God’s word of warning. The people of the city listen and repent of their sins. The second scene takes place outside the city. Here Jonah struggles with the idea that God will forgive Israel’s enemies.
The people of Israel were like Jonah. They struggled to understand God’s love for their enemies. The message of the book of Jonah is that God wants everyone to know him. Israel’s job was to help other nations respect God. God’s love goes out to all nations. He loves his whole creation.
Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Jonah Introduction
Introduction
The book of Jonah is different from other books written by prophets. Most books by the prophets are collections of their writings and speeches. This book, however, tells the story about a prophet. It has only one sentence that is prophecy.
God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh which was the capital of Assyria. The people of Assyria had been enemies of Israel for a long time. God wants Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh that they are going to be destroyed.
The book of Jonah is written like a play. It has two main acts with two scenes in each act. At the beginning of each act God commands Jonah to “Go to the great city of Nineveh.” The first scene in act one is set on a ship. It is headed away from Nineveh. Jonah is trying to avoid what God wants him to do. The second scene takes place in the belly of a huge fish. The fish has swallowed Jonah.
Both scenes in the second act are about the city of Nineveh. The first scene takes place inside the city. Jonah preaches to the people bringing God’s word of warning. The people of the city listen and repent of their sins. The second scene takes place outside the city. Here Jonah struggles with the idea that God will forgive Israel’s enemies.
The people of Israel were like Jonah. They struggled to understand God’s love for their enemies. The message of the book of Jonah is that God wants everyone to know him. Israel’s job was to help other nations respect God. God’s love goes out to all nations. He loves his whole creation.
Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.