Jonah

Read this book by chapter and explore its background.

Purpose To recount a story of the far-reaching scope of God’s sovereignty (power and authority to rule) and salvation
Author Unknown
Date Around 755 BC
Setting A time when Assyria’s influence in Israel had temporarily decreased, likely during the reign of Jeroboam II

Overview Article

The book of Jonah is well known for the amazing events it recounts, but the book’s main purpose is to teach us about God. Through Jonah’s experience, God, the all-powerful Creator, reveals that though he is a God who will pour out his wrath on the wicked, he is also one who eagerly pours out his mercy on those who repent—including those we would too quickly deem to be beyond mercy.

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Key People, Places, and Terms

Themes

God’s Change of Mind 2 The Old Testament describes God 34 times as “changing his mind” or “being sorry” (the Hebrew word nakham ). What does this mean? Does God relent, feel pity, experience sorrow, or grieve? One thing is clear: God never... God’s Justice 1 God is just ( Psalm 9:7–8 ). He hates sin and fairly rewards people and nations based on what they do ( Psalm 67:4 ; Isaiah 1:27 ; Jeremiah 46:28 ; Joel 3:1–8 ; Acts 17:31 ). God has complete control over the natural... Anger 1 Wise people do not get angry quickly. “ A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly ” ( Proverbs 14:29 ). Anger can cause bad judgment, so wise people think before they act ( 14:16 )... Complaints 1 The Bible teaches that complaining is often wrong. For example, God judged the Israelites for complaining about their difficulties in the wilderness ( Numbers 14:27–37 ). The Job complained a lot and received God's re... Death 1 Humans are mortal, and death is the natural end of life on earth ( Psalm 90:1–6 ). Human identity began when God breathed life into the dust of the earth and made a man ( Genesis 2:7 ). This state reverses at death wh... God as Holy Warrior 1 The Arabic term jihad, now familiar in English, refers to a "holy war" where men fight for God. Yet, the Bible describes a "holy war" differently. In the Bible, a holy war is a conflict where God fights for his people... God Works through Prayer 1 God has authority and control over all creation. But he wants people to share their concerns with him through prayer. The Bible shows examples of God responding to people's prayers. Prayer is important for living a go...

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Outline

Use of Jonah in the New Testament

Quoted 1 times across 1 New Testament books

Total quotations 1
Connected books 1
Most-connected book Matthew 1

All References

Jonah bookOverview.connections.ntReference Compare
Jonah 1:17 Matthew 12:40
Compare
OT Text
  • Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.
NT Text
  • Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so