JONAH at a glance

The Purpose for writing Jonah: To show how great God’s undeserved favor is. The message of salvation is for all people.

Who was the author?: Jonah, son of Amittai - known as the “reluctant prophet”.

When was it written?: Approximately 785-760 BC.

What was the setting?: Jonah preceded the prophet Amos and ministered under Israel’s most powerful king, Jeroboam II _{(793-753 BC; see 2 Kings 14:23-25).} Assyria was Israel’s greatest enemy who conquered Israel in 722 BC. Nineveh, which was the capital city of Assyria, repented when warned of pending judgment from God, yet their change of heart obviously didn’t last long as it was destroyed in 612 BC.

Special Feature: This book is different from other prophetic books in that it tells the story of a prophet and doesn’t center on his prophecies. In fact, only one verse summarizes his message to the Ninevites - Jonah 3:4 ... “On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’” The book of Jonah is a historical narrative. It’s also mentioned by Jesus as a picture of his death and resurrection (Matthew 12:41 ... “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah.”)

 

NOTE: “As you read Jonah, see the full picture of God’s love and compassion, and realize that no one is beyond redemption. The gospel is for all who would repent and believe.” _{(TLASB - P. 1888)}

 

THE BLUEPRINT

 

1) Jonah forsakes his mission _{(Jonah 1:1 - 2:10)}

 

2) Jonah fulfills his mission _{(Jonah 3:1 - 4:11)}

 

         “Jonah was a reluctant prophet given a mission he found distasteful. He chose to run away from God rather than obey him. Like Jonah, we may have to do things in life that we don’t want to do. Sometimes we find ourselves wanting to turn and run, but it is better to obey God than to defy him or run away. Often, in spite of our defiance, God in his mercy will give us another chance to serve him when we return to him.” _{(TLASB - P. 1888)}

 

Up next are the Jonah Mega-Themes. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

TLASB - The Life Application Study Bible.