Exploring Jonah's Struggle with God's Mercy

(and honorable) than that of his first prayer in chapter 2. This time, it is used as like an ironic use, as if he is saying ‘Oh please! Do you even know what you are doing?” or “Please tell me you’re not serious!’” (Cary 129).

4 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious. 2 He prayed to the Lord: “Please, Lord, isn’t this what I said while I was still in my own country? That’s why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place. I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to become angry, rich in faithful love, and One who relents from sending disaster. 3 And now, Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

4 The Lord asked, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

5 Jonah left the city and sat down east of it. He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city (Jonah 4:1-5).

I believe author Rosemary Nixon summarized this passage best when she said, “ In theory we can say God can forgive, but in practice we sometimes

Short term, the city of Nineveh is saved because they are overcome with grief from Jonah’s quick warning. As stated before, it is like they knew they needed something more and they knew they were down the wrong path; and Jonah’s brief message gave them the answer. Long term, we can apply this to remember that God’s forgiveness and grace is abundant enough for all. Not one person receives more than another. Though we are all God’s children, unfortunately, not all of us will take heed to our Father’s warning.

Scholars have different opinions on this passage. Some feel that the book of Jonah is merely story. That it was taught by Israel to not limit God’s grace. Others believe it was a real event that took place in history. As with any topic, not all scholars will agree with one another. Yet, they all agree that God’s grace is for all, and we should not try to keep it from our neighbors.