Jonah

The Swallowed Prophet

I. Introduction A. History 1. Timeline (B.C.) 1 Figure 1: The Prophet Jonah, as depicted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. 868 The Prophet ELIJAH was taken up, succeeded by ELISHA, who received his mantle. 810 ADAD-NIRARI III ruled Assyria. 808 The Prophet ELISHA died. 798 AMOS, father of ISAIAH, prophesied to 747 B.C. and wrote Amos during the reign of JEROBOAM in Israel and UZZIAH in Judah. 786 The Great Earthquake of AMOS 1 destroyed Tyre, Sidon, Ashdod, from Damascus to Gaza. 776 The first Olympiad was held in Greece. 772 JONAH prophesied to the Assyrians at Nineveh, and Jonah was written. 753 Rome was founded and Roman dating began. 750 HOSEA prophesied. 740 ISAIAH began to prophesy. 730 MICAH prophesied. 729 HOSHEA ruled Israel 9 years and was ruling when Israel went into Assyrian captivity. 726 Israel revolted against Assyria.

724 HEZEKIAH destroyed the brazen serpent Moses had made. 710 HEZEKIAHS tunnel was built to bring water into Jerusalem. 709 SARGON entered Babylon and declared himself king. 705 SARGON was killed in battle and succeeded by his son SENNACHERIB as king of Assyria. He made Nineveh the capital.

697 HEZEKIAH died, succeeded by his son MANASSEH, age 12. His mother was HEPHZIBAH. He ruled Judah 55 years. The Prophet ISAIAH died. He wrote Isaiah during the reigns of UZZIAH, JOTHAM, AHAZ and HEZEKIAH covering 784- 697 B.C. The Prophet HOSEA wrote Hosea, covering 784- 697 B.C. The Prophet MICAH wrote Micah covering 747- 697 B.C.

1A

Chronology Of Biblical Christianity. by Dr. R.C. Wetzel, 1995.

Jonah p. 2 668 ASSURBANIPAL ruled Assyria 43 years and established a great library at Nineveh. 664 The first naval battle occurred between Corinth and Corcyra. 659 Byzantium was founded. 642 The Prophet NAHUM wrote Nahum during his reign, covering 697-642 B.C. (In it, he prophesies the destruction of Assyria) 630 ZEPHANIAH prophesied and wrote Zephaniah during the reign of JOSIAH, covering 640-609 B.C. 626 JEREMIAH prophesied from the reign of JOSIAH until after the captivity, 647-522 B.C. and wrote Jeremiah about 587 B.C. 623 The Book of the Law was found (2 Kings 22). 612 NABOPOLASSAR destroyed Nineveh.

Figure 2: Russian Orthodox icon of the Prophet Jonah, 18th century (Iconostasis of Kizhi monastery, Karelia, Russia). The people of Nineveh repented because of Jonahs preaching. How long did that last? B. Authenticity 1. Uses Aramaic words, so claimed by some to be written later, but Aramaic dates to at least 1500 B.C. In fact, during the life of Jonah, Aramaic was the language of diplomats, so this actually supports the dating of the book being in Jonahs time. 2. During this time period, Assyria was weak and unstable and wouldve been open to repentance 3. Should be considered history, because Jonah was a historical prophet 4. Accepted as history by Jews and Christians until questioned about 200 years ago 5. Jesus refers to it as a historical account (Mt 12:39-41) Why is it important that we consider Jonah to be history instead of allegory? C. Author 1. Book doesnt say, but commonly believed to be Jonah himself D. Theme/Purpose: 1. Mans rebellion 2. Gods patience with sinners 3. Gods deliverance 4. Salvation for all through faith in the true God 5. Great: This word is used more than any other in Jonah. Why do you think thats true? E. Setting 1. The Mediterranean Sea 2. Nineveh: the great city, or Greater Nineveh, including the region around Nineveh in Gen 10:11-12 (Near modern Mosul, Iraq)

Jonah p. 3 F. Primary Characters 1. God 2. Jonah a) Believed by some rabbis to be the son of the widow of Zarephath (1Ki 17:8-24) If this is the case, about how old was Jonah when he preached to Nineveh, given that this miracle occurred around 875 B.C.? Does this seem likely? b) Also believed to be the messenger of Elisha to Jehu (2Kings 9:1-14) c) Appears in 2 Kings 14:25 d) Name means dove How does the Old Testament use of dove (Hos 7:11; Eze 7:16; Is 38:14) fit Jonah? e) From Gath-Hepher (3 miles north of Nazareth) Read John 7:52. Was the argument of the Pharisees valid? II. The Text2 A. The First Commission of Jonah (1:1-2:10) 1. The Disobedience to the First Call (1:1-3) Figure 3: Jonah Flees by Johann Christoph Weigel, 1695 Did you ever want to run away from home? How much has distance from mom and dad had a role in your life decisions? Note: the book begins with And, which marks it as a historical narrative, not a parable. It might be translated as something like, And it came to pass that. What do you find surprising about Gods command in 1:1-2? What does this command tell us about God? How does Jonahs action contrast with his action in 2Ki 14:25-28?

2 Outline

taken from The Open Bible, Expanded Edition. Thomas Nelson, Inc. La Habra: 1985.

Jonah p. 4 When God called Jesus to go beyond Israels borders, how did Jesus respond? (Jn 4; Mt 15:21) Did Jesus choose comfort and security? Other prophets were reluctant, too. (Ex 4:10; Jer 1:4-10) How was Jonah different? In 1:2, God told Jonah to Arise. What did Jonah do instead? (1:3, 5, 15; 2:3, 7) Where is Tarshish? The name Tarshish refers to riches and comfort. Why might Jonah have chosen this instead? What does the Bible tell us about ships going to Tarshish? (2Ch 20:35-37; Ps 48:7; Is 23:14; Eze 27:25-26) What does this tell us about Jonahs trip? Jonah knew that he could not flee from an omnipresent God, but he hoped to escape from Gods special Sacramental presence associated with the temple, Jerusalem, and Israel. Have you ever seen someone avoid a church building or pastor because of wanting to avoid God? Israelites generally feared the sea. How does Jonahs journey to the sea show his rebellion? Have you ever gone to extremes to avoid Gods plan for you? What was the main reason Jonah fled? (cf. 4:2) Ask yourself: Is there anyone so bad that I wouldnt want God to show mercy on them? 2. The Judgment of Jonah is Exacted (1:417) a) The Great Storm (1:4-16) Figure 4: "Jonah overboard" by Johann Christoph Weigel, 1695 If God intervened in a miraculous way more often, how would that affect Christians? God pursued Jonah. Why? When everyone else was afraid, Jonah slept. Why? Do you ever sin, figuring God wont do anything about it? Note the theme of growing throughout the book: the storm, the sailors fear, the description of Nineveh, and the plant. Jonah, trying to flee, turns to sleep as an escape. What else do people turn to in order to escape reality? How are the shipmasters words ironic?

Jonah p. 5 God calls on Jonah directly, through the storm, and through the sailors. How else, through this book, does God call Jonah? Compare 1:6 and 3:9? What do these two have in common? Throughout the book, we find 12 questions. Ten of the twelve questions are directed at Jonah and in turn at us. As you read each question, how would you answer? How does the need to cast lots show the depth of Jonahs sin? How is Jonahs statement in 1:9 ironic? According to 1:10, the sailors knew what Jonah was doing. Why did they ask him? Jonah had no intention of bringing any heathens to faith. How does God thwart his intentions? (1:9-10) Why do we speak creeds in our liturgy? How is Jonahs confession of God in 1:9 ironic, considering his escape route? Why do you think Jonah ask to be thrown into the sea? Do you think 4:3,8 help answer this question? Figure 5: Border with Jonah Cast into the Sea by Simon Bening, c. 1525-1530 Note again the contrast of Jonahs attitude toward life vs. the pagan sailors attitude toward life. (1:12-14) What other option did Jonah have? What other possible reasons would Jonah have for being thrown into the sea? Why was God so intent on pursuing Jonah? Have you ever fled from God, knowing He wants you to do something and refusing? Check Ps 139:7-12 for an escape plan! Did it take some kind of storm in your life to bring you back? Have you ever been like the sailors in 1:13, trying to go against God for what you thought a greater good? How is the sailors action in 1:14 contrasted with Jonahs? These sailors were trapped between the 1st and 5th Commandments. Do they make the right decision? Which Commandment is greater? How could the sailors offer a sacrifice on the boat? Even if they had animals as cargo, theyd already thrown them overboard.

Jonah p. 6 Compare Jonahs attitude with Lk 13:10-17; Gal 2:11-14) b) The Great Salvation of Jonah by the Fish (1:17) What kind of fish swallowed Jonah? Does it matter whether it was a fish, whale, or reptile? Figure 6: Reconstruction of Basilosaurus by Pavel Riha What was the purpose of the fish swallowing him? Has Jonah finally escaped God there? In literature of this time, three days and three nights was an expression of a great journey, such as the journey to hell. How was Jonahs destination different?

Even though God is always with us, why does it sometimes take us a long time to return to God? Can you think of other times God used fish to provide for people? How does this event point us to the cross? Jonah has already been delivered, even though hes essentially in a watery grave. How does this give us comfort? (God can deliver from the grave.) Note that Jonah uses the generic word for fish here instead of Sea Monster or Leviathan. The latter terms are seen as enemies, but the generic term is neutral. God used the fish to save, so it would be inappropriate to use a scary term. How does even the fish show more faithfulness than Jonah? In the Nicene Creed, we confess that, On the third day, He rose again according to the Scripture. How do 1:17 and Hos 6:2-3 show that Jesus had to rise on the third day? (q.v. Mt 12:39, 16:21) 3. The Prayer of Jonah (2:1-9) Which came first, Jonahs prayer or Gods deliverance? Is Jonah asking for Gods deliverance in this prayer? Look at the imagery of this prayer. Is it symbolic or literal? Note: Nearly every expression of Jonahs prayer is drawn from the Psalms. This is not in Jonahs own words. How does this show Jonahs background and the value of memorizing Gods Word?

Jonah p. 7 What do you see in this prayer: thanks, recommitment, a call for help, or something else? Is Jonah still in trouble? Compare 2:3 with 1:15. Whom does Jonah see in control? In 2:3, whom is Jonah blaming? Who sent Jesus to the grave? In 2:4, Jonah refers to Gods temple. Jonah was a Northern Kingdom prophet, and the temple was in the Southern Kingdom. In the north, they had golden calves to worship. What temple do we pray toward? Figure 7: Ionas in ventre piscis by Salvador Dal, 1964-7 Note in 2:4 which direction Jonah wants to go and where he doesnt mention going. 2:7 is the halfway point in the book (# of verses) and also where Jonah and God are closest. Why does deep distress bring us closer to God? In 2:7, Jonah wants to live, but in 4:3,8, he wants to die. Why the change? How is this attitude reflected in our society? In 2:8-9, Jonah distances himself from idol-worshippers, but how has he been one? Why does Jonah confess faith in the LORDs salvation but still not expect it for the gentiles? When have you felt like Jonah, life out of your control? 4. The Deliverance of Jonah (2:10) What did the obedient fish think of Jonah? (2:10) Note: like Judg 3:24 and 1Ki 18:27, the use of crude body functions demonstrates shame. B. The Second Commission of Jonah (3:1-4:11) 1. The Obedience to the Second Call (3:1-4) Why does 3:1 have no condemnation of Jonah? What is the first thing God calls Jonah to do on the third day? (3:2)

Jonah p. 8 In 1:2, Jonah is called to cry out against Nineveh, but in 3:2, hes told to call out to it. What might this difference reflect? The walk to Nineveh would have been 30-45 days. Why did Jonah go this time? Why does Jonah go to Nineveh this time? Figure 8: Jonah preaches to Nineveh by Caspar Luiken, 1712 In 3:3, what does a great city to God (literal translation) mean? In 3:4, does Jonah call Nineveh to repent? Why did Jonah give such a short message? Faith comes through hearing the Gospel. How did the Ninevites come to faith? Did Jonahs prophetic message in 3:4 come true? Would it take three days to walk to the middle of the city? How is Jonahs sermon ironic? 2. The Judgment of Nineveh Averted (3:5-10) a) The Great Fast (3:5-9) What does it mean in 3:5 that they believed in God? Did the people of Nineveh believe in a god or in the true God? (cf. Ps 78:22, Mt 12:41) Did the people repent or just follow the kings edict? How did the Ninevites show the sincerity of their repentance? What would be the modern equivalent of fasting and sackcloth? When would you do this? How is the repentance of the Ninevites different from Jonahs prayer in the fish? (3:8) How do the words, Who knows? (3:9) show the faith of the Ninevites? No extant documents recovered from Nineveh at this time mention Jonah or this conversion event. Does this call into question the historicity of the book? Did God save the Ninevites by grace or because of their works? b) The Great Salvation of Nineveh by God (3:10)

Jonah p. 9 Figure 9: Nineveh Repents by unknown illustrator of 'L'Histoire du Vieux et du Nouveau Testament', Nicolas Fontaine (author), 1670 God didnt destroy the city. He repented. What does this tell us about God? When have you felt like God gave you a second chance? (Think of a specific example) Did the Ninevites earn their salvation by their repentance?

If God had still destroyed the city, would that decision have been just? Does the decision to save the city contradict Gods justice? 3. The Prayer of Jonah (4:1-3) What is evil in 4:1? Have you ever seen Jonahs attitude in modern people? The Bible says, God is love, but never, God is anger. Given that He is a just and righteous God, why does it not describe Him that way? Jonah, as a prophet, is a representative of God. How does his anger in 4:1 contrast with Gods? What is the greatest evil in the book? Was Jonahs desire for justice justified? Jonah rejoices in Gods deliverance through the fish and the plant, but he turns from God other times. How can you explain his behavior? The king of Nineveh doesnt know (3:9), but Jonah knows (4:2). But how does Jonah show that he doesnt really know God? Why did Jonah want to die? What do you see as Jonahs biggest problem? Have you ever withheld mercy from someone? What do we say about God when we do? Do you ever get angry with God?

Jonah p. 10 What people do you have trouble reaching out to? How if the forgiveness of Nineveh like or unlike the forgiveness given to us? Considering the catechesis and faith of the sailors and the Ninevites, how would you define, disciple? If we hold to that definition, how does that affect our congregational life? 4. The Rebuke of Jonah by God (4:4-11) Figure 10: Jonah and the vine by Caspar Luiken, 1712. How is Jonah like the Prodigal Son? How does 4:4 show the depth of Gods grace? A prophets calling is to speak repentance and faith for his hearers salvation. How is Jonahs silence in 4:4 ironic? If Jonah knew God was going to spare the city, why did he set up camp to watch it be destroyed? What three things does God provide for Jonah? For what purpose? What do these show us about God and about Jonah?

Note: the plant was probably a Ricinus, aka the castor oil plant, which often serves as host to several species of larvae, any of which could have been the worm. In 4:5-6, we find two shelters. What is the difference between them? Which is more effective? When we need refuge, what does this passage tell us? Compare 3:6 and 4:5. How are these sitting peoples attitudes different? Note: in 4:6, the literal translation should read, to save him from his evil. What does your translation say, and how is this different? What evil is God saving Jonah from? Both the worm and scorching wind are provided by God. How are these painful things providence? Throughout the entire book, besides himself, for what does Jonah show concern? How is this ironic?

Jonah p. 11 What do you think happens to Jonah after the book ends? Why do you think the book ends this way? What are we supposed to walk away from this book thinking about? If Jonah wrote this book, as most believe he did, do you think Jonah understood Gods message and repented? III. Summary Questions A. How is Jonahs time like ours? B. How is Jonahs message particularly applicable to our daily lives? C. Why is Jonah relevant to all eras of Gods people?

2009 Rev. Dale Critchley lcmspastor.com/pastordale Images used are public domain or their respective owners and used for educational purposes only according to fair use laws. Special thanks to Rev. Joe Burnham joeburnham.com