In chapters 3-4, the main characters are Yahweh, Jonah, the king of Nineveh, and his people, who are all characterized differently. Whereas Yahweh is portrayed as very earnest in His desire to have Jonah preach a prophetic warning to the Ninevites, Jonah himself was obviously very hesitant to do this, which is why the word of the Yahweh must come “a second time” (Jon. 3:1) in order for him to actually obey. The people of Nineveh, on the other hand, respond to Yahweh’s prophetic word in faith and obedience, which ends with the king himself enforcing a nationwide fast and penance (3:5-6). Towards the end of the book, Yahweh’s merciful character is further revealed; He didn’t want the Ninevites to be destroyed, which is why He had Jonah sent there (4:11). This is in direct contrast to Jonah, who despises Yahweh’s mercy (4:2), and is portrayed as someone who would rather die than see sinners escape judgment (4:3, 8-9).
An Analysis of Jonah 3-4
An Analysis of Jonah 3-4
An Analysis of Jonah 3-4
In chapters 3-4, the main characters are Yahweh, Jonah, the king of Nineveh, and his people, who are all characterized differently. Whereas Yahweh is portrayed as very earnest in His desire to have Jonah preach a prophetic warning to the Ninevites, Jonah himself was obviously very hesitant to do this, which is why the word of the Yahweh must come “a second time” (Jon. 3:1) in order for him to actually obey. The people of Nineveh, on the other hand, respond to Yahweh’s prophetic word in faith and obedience, which ends with the king himself enforcing a nationwide fast and penance (3:5-6). Towards the end of the book, Yahweh’s merciful character is further revealed; He didn’t want the Ninevites to be destroyed, which is why He had Jonah sent there (4:11). This is in direct contrast to Jonah, who despises Yahweh’s mercy (4:2), and is portrayed as someone who would rather die than see sinners escape judgment (4:3, 8-9).