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First light on an empty, calm sea seen from a wet beach: one line of sandal prints comes up out of the water's edge onto the sand, and nobody is in sight.

The Book of

Jonah Intro

A prophet runs from God, and finds out how far God’s mercy reaches.

Before chapter 1≈ 2 min4 chapters

Images are artistic interpretations.

In 30 seconds

God says go east. Jonah sails west.

A storm, a great fish, a prayer from the deep.

A violent city turns to God.

And an angry prophet hears God’s question.

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Who wrote it

Jonah

A prophet of Israel in Jeroboam II’s day

  • Son of Amittai, from Gath-hepher in Galilee.2 Kings 14:25
  • He foretold that Israel’s borders would be restored.2 Kings 14:25
  • The book tells his story; it doesn’t name its writer.Jonah 1:1
  • Jesus spoke of him as a real prophet, and a sign.Matthew 12:39

Where it happens

To TarshishAssyriaMediterranean SeaGath-hepherJoppaNineveh

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

West, then east

From Israel’s coast he sailed west. God brought him back, and sent him east to Assyria’s great city on the Tigris.

Big themes

Four threads to follow

How it’s built

Two halves, one shape

dry landGod calls1:1–2: go to NinevehSailors turn1:16: they fear theLORDJonah prays2: from the deepGod calls again3:1–2: a second timeNineveh turns3:5–10: God relentsJonah prays4: in anger

Whiteboard

Both halves start with God’s word. Each time outsiders turn to God, and the prophet is the one left to learn.

How to read it

A true story, told with care.

Watch what God appoints.

It ends with a question for you.

Watch for

now One greater than Jonah is here

Matthew 12:41

Start reading

Question

Quick question

Jonah ran the moment God called. The book waits until the end to say why.

Why did Jonah run from God?

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