(862 B.C.?) [Jonah's call and commission from God to go and preach against the wickedness of Nineveh (capital of Assyria), Israel's enemy, who were already invading them. They were exceeding the limits of His allowed judgment upon Israel in their horrendous mistreatment of the people.] Jonah's rebellion against God leads to his purchase of a fare aboard a ship departing Joppa, his home, to Tarshish, fleeing in the opposite direction from God's called place of service and presence. A mighty wind and tempest threatens the ship's safety. Afraid, the mariners begin to pray, each to his own god, while Jonah is fast asleep in the hull. He is awakened and frantically examined for his identity to discover just whose god is threatening them. He discloses himself and his refused mission as the reason for their danger, volunteering to be cast overboard that they might be spared. After first refusing, and unsuccessful attempts to bring the ship to land, they finally agree, casting him over the side. The mariners are spared, and, as a result, offer sacrifices and vows to the Lord. A great fish has been prepared by God, ingesting and retaining Jonah for three days and nights.

Jonah' prayer from the belly of the fish. His change of heart, and now, in humility and desperation, he is ready to accept his mission. God hears and kindly moves the fish to deposit him onto dry ground.

God's call and commission repeated to Jonah, albeit with better results, Jonah goes! Nineveh, a great city (three days across). Jonah's preaching begins at the outset on the first day's journey into the area: "Yet 40 days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown." Amazingly, the people believe and repent, fasting and dressing in humility. The Assyrian king is informed and issues a decree for a national fast and call to repentance, for man and beast. No food or water, to dress in sackcloth, cry to God, turn from their evil doings, and cease from their violence, all in hope that God will relent and turn from his intention of their destruction. True to His word, God forgives the truly repentant. They are spared!

Jonah is amazed, displeased, and angry. His prayer to God confirms what he had thought all along: God forgives the repentant -- and he didn't want his enemy forgiven! He had rather die than see his enemy spared. God questions his anger. Hoping for its destruction, Jonah awaits outside the city. As the 40 days pass, he erects a booth for shade from the scorching sun. To Jonah's delight, God provides a plant for shadow, only next day to withdraw it, provoking his great displeasure. He is desirous of death. God again reasons with Jonah concerning his anger, revealing to him His compassion and pity to all who are repentant and humble in spirit. He is no respector of persons! (All men are sinners in His sight, both Jew and Gentile. He will hear each's genuine cry irrespective of their national origin! This is the message of the gospel.)