“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. One of the best-known and best-loved stories of the Bible (it appears in almost every children’s Bible), Jonah is believed by many scholars to be a satire poking fun at the “ludicrous” behavior of certain prophets — while also driving home a very serious point about who God’s mercy is intended for.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
The focus of this entertaining and well-known story is not only on God’s mercy to the people of Assyria but also on the Israelites’ reluctance to accept that compassion to their enemies.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Grace
- Timeline: Likely written before 750 BC
- Written: Attributed to Jonah
Key Verse
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.” — Jonah 2:7 (NIV)
Sovereignty and Salvation
God’s sovereign rule is shown over all creation. Over animals — the great fish — over humanity — the wicked Ninevehites repenting — and over plant life — the vine shading Jonah.
While the book of Jonah contains no specific prophecies, its narrative structure demonstrates God’s passion to bring salvation to all nations.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here is a seven-day guide to the prophets Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.
(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.)
- Day 1: Amos 1-2
- Day 2: Amos 3-4
- Day 3: Amos 5-6
- Day 4: Amos 7-8
- Day 5: Amos 9 and Obadiah
- Day 6: Jonah 1-2
- Day 7: Jonah 3-4
A Wideness in God’s Mercy
All those who turn to God, even residents of a pagan city at the heart of an evil empire, can find God’s mercy.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.