Jonah is called by God to warn the wicked Assyrian city of Nineveh of coming judgment, but initially refuses. After being swallowed by a large fish and surviving, Jonah reluctantly goes to Nineveh and succeeds in persuading the entire city to repent. The book conveys God's unlimited compassion for both Jonah and the people of Nineveh, and his willingness to forgive those who repent.