1. A Discussion on the book of Jonah
Jonah is the only book that goes away from oracles, visions, and demonstrable prophecies
to a more biographical, relative approach. Not related to our reading, but I have done
some outside reading about some scholars calling Jonah a "false prophet", or a "wrong
turn prophet". The Book of Jonah is even considered to not be honor worthy enough to be
amongst the other eleven prophetical books. Besides that matter Jonah is helpful in
understanding the grace of God, and the attitude of the prophet. Jonah is a biography.
Unlike other prophetic books Jonah is not a hero/messenger to the people of Nineveh. He
chooses to go the other way. Instead of sympathizing with the people he complains to
God and not in hopes of redeeming the city like Abraham or Jeremiah. There is
questioning of prophets in other books, Habakkuk is a good example, but Jonah's attitude
never changed. He disliked the people of Nineveh because he was a firm advocate of
staying beside Israel. Now after he acknowledged God demonstrating mercy through the
rescuing of the big fish he bows and prays. Jonah doesn't have a poor view of God's
redemptive work "salvation belongs to the Lord" (Jonah 2:9b) He doesn't have the
compassion of the Lord nor does he have his eyes set upon the Lords ability. As the IVP
text notes the only words that evidence his prophet ability is found in Jonah 3:4. Well in
chapter 1:1 also "and the word of the Lord came to Jonah". Thus establishing his genuine
prophet status.
Jonah’s prophecy is found in Jonah 3:4 "Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's
journey. And he called out, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"
Forty days is the length of his prophecy. God's grace is sometimes instant if people will
listen to His words and turn from their wickedness. Or prophecy can be as long as several
hundred years. God is "slow to anger" but no one knows when He will kindle it. I say
with JTB that we must "repent for the kingdom of God is near" (Matthew 3:2)