Written By Les Allan – August 3, 2023
Book of Jonah (ESV) Survey: Topic of Discussion
The Book of Jonah (ESV) teaches us that God’s love and compassion know no bounds. It reminds us that we should not limit our compassion only to those like us but extend it to everyone, even those who may seem different or unfamiliar to us. The story of Jonah is a powerful message that urges us to treat others with the same kindness and empathy we would want for ourselves. Let us take this message to heart and strive to be more compassionate and understanding towards others, just as God has shown us. Listed below are five significant insights found in the Book of Jonah (ESV):
When God “the Lord” gave Jonah an explicit command to travel to Nineveh, Jonah fled from God’s command and boarded a ship to Tarnish (Jonah 1:1-3, ESV).
In the first three verses of Jonah (ESV), God commands Jonah to go to the ancient city of Nineveh, located on the east bank of the Tigris River, and preach against its wickedness. Instead of obeying God’s command, Jonah attempts to flee from the presence of the Lord by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3, ESV). This act of disobedience sets the stage for the rest of the book, as Jonah learns about the consequences of disobeying God and the extent of God’s mercy and compassion.
Because of disobedience to his calling, God brought on a great storm as Jonah attempted to flee God’s call (Jonah 1:4-16, ESV).
The story of Jonah in the Book of Jonah (ESV) is a powerful reminder that we cannot escape God’s presence or His will. Even when we try to flee or disobey, He shows us the right path and brings us back to where we need to be. Like Jonah, we must trust in God’s guidance and believe and have faith that He will always lead us in the right direction.
With an appointment with God, Jonah is brought into the belly of a great fish (Jonah 2:1-9, ESV).
In Jonah 2:1-9 (ESV), we witness an incredible event where a great fish swallows Jonah after being thrown overboard from the ship. During his time in the belly of the fish, Jonah humbly prays to God (Jonah 2:1, ESV) and repents for his disobedience. After three days and nights, the fish releases Jonah onto dry land. This pivotal moment marks a turning point in the story, as Jonah is given a second chance to fulfill his mission and obey God’s command. It is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope always exists for redemption and second chances. The phrase “an appointment with God” emphasizes that this event was part of God’s plan to bring Jonah back to obedience, showing us that everything happens for a reason and God’s divine plan is always at work.
Given to Jonah by the Lord is a second chance to fulfill God’s original calling to go to Nineveh and deliver His message (Jonah 3:1-10, ESV).
This statement refers to the events in Jonah 3:1-10 (ESV), where God gives Jonah a second chance to fulfill his original mission. God once again for the second time and commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and deliver His message (Jonah 3:1-2, ESV) after he was vomited onto dry land by the great fish. This time, Jonah obeys and goes to Nineveh, where he preaches against the city’s wickedness. The people of Nineveh repent and turn from their evil ways, and God relents from bringing destruction upon the city (Jonah 3:6-10, ESV). This event demonstrates God’s mercy and willingness to give second chances to those who repent and return to Him.
Because of the Lord’s infinite wisdom and God extending His mercy to all people, Jonah becomes angry and learns a lesson (Jonah 4:1-11, ESV).
The story that can be found in Jonah 4:1-11 (ESV) is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and compassion towards everyone and all that chose to believe. Jonah’s anger towards God for sparing the people of Nineveh was met with a lesson on the infinite wisdom of God’s ways. Through the growth and withering of a plant, God demonstrated His compassion towards Jonah and reminded us that His mercy extends to all. This story is a testament to the depth of God’s love and His ability to teach us valuable lessons in unexpected ways.
May God’s grace and mercy shine upon you all – many blessings as we sojourn throughout life and education.
Lesallan
References:
Bauer, D. R., & Traina, R. A. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Guthrie, D., Motyer, J. A., Wiseman, D. J., & Stibbs, A. M. (1991). The New Bible commentary. W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
Walton, J. H. (2023). Jonah. Https://Lms.ohiochristian.edu/. https://lms.ohiochristian.edu/
