JonahSummary of the book:
The book of Jonah has an anonymous author although traditionally it is listed as Jonah. The book consists of four parts: running, repenting, relenting, and pouting. God calls and commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach. However, he goes the disobeys and goes the opposite direction where he goes aboard a ship of sailors. When a big storm threatens them, the sailors toss Jonah overboard and gets swallowed by a big fish. After three days, the prophet repents and God delivers. The Ninevites then repent and God relents. Yet Jonah is not pleased with the situation; he becomes upset that God was merciful on the city of Nineveh. God challenges and provokes Jonah's attitude about the people of Nineveh as well as the plant in the desert that briefly gave him shade. The overall arching message of this book can be said that it is about God disciplining those who are disobedient. |
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Location: NinevehHistorical Context: Jonah occurred during the reign of Jeroboam II. In earlier Assyrian threat, under the reign of Shalmaneser III, Assyria expanded and threatened Israel. However, in Jonah's day, that threat had lessened. Shortly after Jonah, Assyria would return and in 723 B.C. all of Northern Israel is destroyed and in 721 B.C. Samaria falls.
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How Can You Apply This To Your Own Life?
Applications: The major application, besides avoiding whales and hot winds, is to better be obedient with the right attitude. Disobeying God can cause lifelong consequences. We need to learn to submit to God's purposes and the more quickly and fully one cooperates, the more complete will be one's restoration. His purposes may surprise, frustrate, or even hurt us, but we need to remember He is soverign and has our best interests in mind.