Introduction to Jonah: Mercy of God
The book of Jonah is a unique prophetic narrative that stands out among the writings of the Old Testament. Rather than focusing on the prophet’s message, it centers on the prophet himself—his disobedience, his journey, and God’s relentless mercy. Jonah is called to preach repentance to Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness, but he runs in the opposite direction. Through a storm, a great fish, and unexpected revival, Jonah’s story reveals God’s compassion not only for Israel but for all nations. It challenges readers to consider their own hearts toward grace, obedience, and the wideness of God’s mercy.
Authorship, Location & Date
Authorship: The book of Jonah does not explicitly name its author, but Jewish tradition and some scholars attribute it to Jonah himself, the son of Amittai. He is also briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as a prophet from Gath-hepher during the reign of Jeroboam II.
Location: The narrative begins in Israel, likely in the northern kingdom, where Jonah receives his prophetic call. The story then moves to the Mediterranean Sea and ultimately to the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria—one of Israel’s chief enemies at the time.
Date: The events of Jonah likely took place in the 8th century BC, during the reign of Jeroboam II (around 793–753 BC). However, the date of the book’s composition is debated. Some scholars argue for a later post-exilic date (5th–4th century BC) due to its literary style and themes of God’s mercy toward Gentiles. Others maintain an earlier date closer to Jonah’s lifetime.
Jonah’s Historical Context
The historical context of Jonah is rooted in the 8th century BC, during the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) in the northern kingdom of Israel. This was a time of political expansion and relative prosperity for Israel, but also of spiritual decline, injustice, and idolatry. Jonah, mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25, was a prophet during this period.
Internationally, Assyria was a dominant and feared empire known for its brutality. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, symbolized Israel’s enemies and the threat of invasion. God’s call for Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh would have been shocking, as Assyria was hated by Israel. The book challenges nationalistic boundaries and offers a radical message: that God's mercy extends even to Israel's enemies. This theme would have been especially provocative in a time when Israel saw itself as the sole recipient of God’s favor.
Its Purpose
The primary purpose of the book of Jonah centers on God’s mercy and the call to repentance—but it goes even deeper. Jonah challenges narrow, nationalistic thinking by showing that God's compassion extends beyond Israel to even the most unlikely people, like the Assyrians in Nineveh. The book confronts the reader with questions about obedience, the condition of the human heart, and the uncomfortable wideness of God’s grace.
At its core, Jonah teaches that:
God desires repentance from all people, not just Israel.
God is merciful and compassionate, even toward those we might consider enemies.
God’s prophets are not exempt from correction—Jonah himself is confronted and shaped by God’s mercy.
It’s not just a story about Nineveh's repentance, but also about Jonah’s need to understand and accept the heart of God.
Its Theological Themes
The book of Jonah presents several rich theological themes that speak to God's character, human nature, and the scope of divine grace:
God’s Sovereignty – God is in control over nature (storm, fish, plant), nations (Nineveh), and individuals (Jonah). His will prevails even through human resistance.
Divine Mercy and Compassion – A central theme is God’s willingness to forgive both the wicked Ninevites and the rebellious prophet. His mercy knows no boundaries.
Repentance – True repentance, even from a violent and pagan city like Nineveh, brings about God's forgiveness. The book highlights that repentance can lead to real transformation.
Universal Mission of God – God’s concern is not limited to Israel; He desires all people to turn from evil and live, emphasizing His global purpose.
Human Resistance and Hypocrisy – Jonah represents the struggle of obeying God’s call, especially when it conflicts with personal biases or nationalistic pride.
God’s Patience and Discipline – Rather than abandoning Jonah, God lovingly corrects and teaches him, demonstrating patience in shaping His servants.
These themes together create a powerful message about God’s heart for all people, the call to obedience, and the challenge of aligning our hearts with His.
How to Read Jonah
Read in Historical Context – Consider the setting of the Northern Kingdom prior its destruction, prosperous but in view of the imminent threat of the Assyrian empire.
Look for Christological Themes – There are multiple events that point to Christ & His church. Look for NT connections.
Near-Far Fulfillment – Compare Jonah’s message and context to the context of the church and the message of the gospel. What are the similarities?
An Outline ofJonah
I. Jonah’s Call and Flight (Chapter 1)
God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness.
Jonah flees in the opposite direction, boarding a ship to Tarshish.
God sends a great storm; the sailors fear for their lives.
Jonah confesses he is fleeing from the Lord.
Jonah is thrown overboard to calm the sea.
A great fish swallows Jonah, appointed by God.
II. Jonah’s Prayer and Deliverance (Chapter 2)
From the belly of the fish, Jonah prays a poetic prayer of repentance and thanksgiving.
He acknowledges God’s salvation.
After three days and nights, God commands the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land.
III. Jonah’s Mission and Nineveh’s Repentance (Chapter 3)
God gives Jonah the command a second time.
Jonah obeys and preaches a message of impending judgment to Nineveh.
The people of Nineveh, from king to commoner, repent in sackcloth and fasting.
God sees their repentance and relents from bringing disaster.
IV. Jonah’s Anger and God’s Lesson (Chapter 4)
Jonah becomes angry at God’s mercy toward Nineveh.
He admits he fled originally because he knew God is compassionate.
God provides a plant to shade Jonah, then takes it away.
Jonah mourns the plant; God uses this to teach Jonah a lesson about compassion.
The book ends with God emphasizing His concern for the people of Nineveh.
Visual Images in Jonah
The Storm at Sea – A violent, chaotic image of nature responding to Jonah’s disobedience, symbolizing God’s pursuit and power.
The Great Fish – One of the most iconic images in the Bible. The fish becomes both a vehicle of judgment and salvation, emphasizing God's control over creation and His grace.
Jonah in the Belly of the Fish – A dark, enclosed, almost tomb-like space, symbolizing death, isolation, and ultimately spiritual rebirth through prayer and repentance.
The City of Nineveh – A massive, bustling, pagan city representing wickedness but also the surprising potential for repentance and redemption.
Sackcloth and Ashes – A visual sign of Nineveh’s repentance, from the king to the animals, showing collective humility before God.
The Plant (or Vine) – Grows rapidly to provide Jonah shade, then withers. It symbolizes God's compassion and serves as a teaching tool to contrast Jonah’s selfish concern with God's love for people.
The Scorching East Wind and Sun – Harsh natural forces used by God to discomfort Jonah, prompting reflection and revealing his misplaced priorities.
Get more content on our Visualizing Theology website
Other Biblical References to Jonah
1. Matthew 12:39–41
"But he answered them, 'An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.'"
(See also: Luke 11:29–32)
Meaning: Jesus compares His death and resurrection to Jonah’s three days in the fish. This is the clearest typological link, showing Jonah as a foreshadowing of Christ.
Jesus also contrasts the repentance of Nineveh with the hardness of His own generation.
2. Matthew 16:4
"An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah."
Similar to Matthew 12, Jesus uses Jonah as a symbol of the resurrection and a critique of those demanding signs without faith.
3. Luke 11:29–32
This is a parallel to the Matthew 12 passage, but with additional emphasis: "The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it..."
Again, Jesus underscores that Gentile outsiders like the Ninevites responded to Jonah’s preaching, while many in Israel reject Him.
Next Steps
Search this theme in Jonah: Mercy of God
Read Jonah & keep a journal.
Look for the key words: mercy, compassion, steadfast love, salvation, etc.
Write out the verse with the key word in it. Look for at least one per chapter.
Look for the concept which is connected to the key word & identify how it is being used.
Identify the eternal truth that is being taught.
Look for some of these verses in the New Testament especially their connection to Jesus, his people & his gospel along with the human sin nature, forgiveness of sin & righteousness.