Book of Jonah

God’s Loving care for the Gentiles in OT

The historical background and purpose of the prophet Jonah

Jonah was a prophet of the Northern Kingdom, in the reign of Jeroboam II (785-750 BC). There is not an agreement if it was Jonah who wrote it autobiographically ( SVB p.1177). Jonah is mentioned in 2.King 14.25, and NT see below. Unlike the other Prophets, the book of Jonah is almost entirely narrative; the exception is the psalm in chapter 2. The actual prophetic word against Nineveh is given only in passing through the narrative – but had great impact on the people – as all from king to animals was affected. Jonah must have been a charismatic and convincing man. After last week’s lecture I can understand more of Jonah reluctance to go to Nineveh – the main city of the cruel Assyrians, it may have been a “milder” period, but still a treat to go there (NB p.249) No wonder he wanted to run away.

The story of Jonah has a setting, characters, a plot, and themes. The character asks questions, and there is used irony in the end of ch 5. As we were preparing for the class assignment we saw this interesting use of structure of parallelism in ch.1 and 3: Jonah (means: God’s chosen spokesman/dove) got a commission, he was among foreigners in life treats, they (shipmen and Nineveh) did acts to prevent disaster, they repented and God saved them and the prophet. In ch.2 and 4 it is more abut the relationship between Jonah and God. In Jonah’s prayer we see parallelism in death x 2, water x 2 and Temple x2. The book ends with God explaining to Jonah that the salvation of the people of Nineveh had not occurred without Jonah had spoken the word of God.

Theme tracing:                                                                                                                                                                                               

What does the book show about the character and nature of God?

The book shows the sovereignty of God over nature, elements and circumstances, eg. storm, fish, plants, worm, wind. He arranges (eg. ch. 1.17,  2.10, 1.4, 4.6-7) makes the situations He needs.                                                                                                                                                       

It shows us God´s eagerness to reconcile with people – love and mercy to all nations

He wants his Good News of salvation to be proclaimed to all people who do not know him

He knows our stories – he arranged quite a bit to get His mission done trough Jonah

Again these verses as in Joel 2.3 He is described as; merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry, unfailing love, eager to Ch 4.2 – I am so trilled about this aspects!

God likes when people do sincere repentance and acting upon it, ch.1.14-15, and 3.5.

What does this book show about God´s redemptive plan for mankind?                                                                                                                    

Jonah is called the first evangelist  - telling about salvation in Yahweh to the Gentiles. It is said he is OT’s enlightening John 3.16.

Jesus is referring to Jonah in Matt 12.39-41/Luk11.29-30, as an actual happening and God-given sign. The sign of being in the big fish for three days and nights as Jesus was in the grave.

As written above Gods as slow to anger is repeated in 1 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Twice I also had a resembling of Paul. First, in them both being on a boat, in a storm with foreign sails men and a God story (Act 27), and then in the words in ch.2.9 – were Jonah offered songs of praise to the Lord reminded me of Paul and Silas were singing in the prison Acts 16.25-31

                                                                        

Application questions                                                                                                                                                                                 

Personal application:                                                                                                                                                                                        

Jonah is also a story of a dramatic, emotional son of God. He decided he knew best and acted on his feelings. What about me? I am probably not the most emotional-driven person, more pragmatic and long –line thinker, but at the same time my feelings may often color my day more than I see God in His word encourage us to trust in Him in all circumstances. I was so encourage again by the way God intervened with directing the nature and Jonah – all to His plan. I long to just to trust Him more and more! It is my prayer these days to God by His spirit reveal more of His greatness and His “beyond my understanding” qualities.

In class today we were also challenged to think it over where my “Nineveh” is?

Do I praise in hardship, brokenness?

What do my refuge look like?

All of them important aspect to pray into  - and I will carry them with me in this DBS life journey.

Point of passion:

” To keep the reservation possibility for physicians in Norway, in matters of conscience”

This focus, and to dear to stand more up for my belief – may be my Nineve that I have been running from ?I am praying for the work and only God knows were the road continue.