4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. 2So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. 3Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” 4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city. There he made himself a shelter and sat under it in the shade, till he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. 7 But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. 8And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said,“You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock?
Vs. 1 Opens with a startling declaration given the amazing events that just unfolded. Therefore Jonah though a prophet of God, and himself a righteous man, did not delight in the repentance of the people of Nineveh. Instead the Scripture says “…it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry”. Now the words used to describe Jonah’s being displeased and angry carry very strong connotations; Jonah’s displeasure was such that he thought it evil that the Ninevites were shown mercy by God! Rooted in his anger maybe the fact that the Assyrians were a brutal people in war; who if not inventing, certainly delighted in the ripping open women with children of those they vanquished in battle. As well Israel as a nation was nearing its own judgment from God, which was to come at the hands of the Assyrians. Jonah then did not want Israel’s enemies to receive mercy; Jonah wanted God to judge them. However the Ninevites deep repentance clearly stands juxtaposed to Israel’s own lack of repentance at this time. Just as Jonah’s pagan shipmates actions stood in stark contrast to his own profession of fearing Yahweh. For they by their actions clearly demonstrated a fear of the Lord that Jonah as God’s prophet should have at that time.
Vs. 5-8 So Jonah leaves the city goes and sits on its east side; and there he builds a shelter and sits under it “...till he might see what would become of the city.” vs. 5 Jonah then is still hoping for the Ninevites destruction. Nonetheless God’s lovingkindness is again highlighted as He prepares a plant to shade Jonah in his misery (vs. 6). And though Jonah in his heart is thankful for the plant; he is still keeping his heart from God. Now the Scripture says that “… as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. "And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live." Vs. 7-8
Now God’s lovingkindness for Jonah did not end when these events, which He created, began. For God is dealing with Jonah is just as a loving Father deals with his children when after he gives them time to work out their hurt and anger, but they continue to harbor it. Therefore God’s actions are a response to Jonah’s unwillingness to let his go. They are not designed to punish Jonah in his misery, but rather to get him to reopen the door of communication, and for him to ultimately see his own selfishness. Jonah’s response to these events though is the same as before; ...Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” vs. 8
Vs. 9-11 With Jonah’s unreasonableness God once again initiates dialogue by asking him a question; 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said,“You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock? vs. 9-11
With God’s question to Jonah and Jonah’s angry self justifying response, God’s mercy and patience stands in stark contrast with Jonah’s self centeredness. Now several points are being made by God. The first is that God is the sole proprietor of creation. He creates, nourishes, and sustains all. And He makes this point to Jonah through the analogy of the plant, which He caused to grow and then wither; which Jonah had pity on because it brought him much comfort. Yet Jonah did not have any empathy towards the Ninevites who are far more valuable than a mere plant; which arose in a day and was soon gone. Another is that unlike Jonah who had a true knowledge of God. The Ninevites did not, for they could not even discern between their right hand and their left, and thus that in itself was cause enough for God to be concerned about their welfare. For they had not yet rejected God; they simply didn’t know Him. Now the fact the God mentions even much livestock (vs. 11) indicates that God as Creator of all has an undeniable concern for all His creation; both of man and beast (Rev. 11:18). Those then who would deny God's loving concern for any of His creation no nothing of God, nor His love for all people, as they should know and worship Him.
Scripture Quotations
Vs. 1 Opens with a startling declaration given the amazing events that just unfolded. Therefore Jonah though a prophet of God, and himself a righteous man, did not delight in the repentance of the people of Nineveh. Instead the Scripture says “…it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry”. Now the words used to describe Jonah’s being displeased and angry carry very strong connotations; Jonah’s displeasure was such that he thought it evil that the Ninevites were shown mercy by God! Rooted in his anger maybe the fact that the Assyrians were a brutal people in war; who if not inventing, certainly delighted in the ripping open women with children of those they vanquished in battle. As well Israel as a nation was nearing its own judgment from God, which was to come at the hands of the Assyrians. Jonah then did not want Israel’s enemies to receive mercy; Jonah wanted God to judge them. However the Ninevites deep repentance clearly stands juxtaposed to Israel’s own lack of repentance at this time. Just as Jonah’s pagan shipmates actions stood in stark contrast to his own profession of fearing Yahweh. For they by their actions clearly demonstrated a fear of the Lord that Jonah as God’s prophet should have at that time.
Vs. 2-4 Jonah’s
prayer here then reveals for the first time why Jonah fled from the Lord. It was simply rooted in his true
understanding of Yahweh. "…for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm." vs. 2
Therefore Jonah did not want to preach to the Ninevites, for if they repented, Jonah knew that God would pardon them. Jonah's wrath then in verse three, which follows his right declaration of God's Nature and dealings with all people everywhere in verse two, is exceedingly selfish given his right understanding of the graciousness of God. Who is always willing to forgive His enemies if in repentance and faith they turn to Him. Instead Jonah's response to this amazing outpouring of the grace of God is simply to say: "Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!" vs. 3 God showing the Ninevites mercy then was such an intolerable evil in the eyes of Jonah that he would rather die than actually see it! Jonah’s words and attitude are extreme to say the least, given Jonah’s own recent restoration that God mercifully had shown him, when he cried out to Him. Yet how much of Jonah’s attitude towards the Ninevites is reflected in our own attitudes when we are faced with the prospect of seeing God’s grace shown those whom we harbour hatred or a deep dislike for? Maybe because they have wronged or hurt us, or someone we love or care about? Especially if we believe that God’s offer to pardon their sins just maybe received by them. Jonah then is hardly unique in his anger. Just as he was not unique in seeking to avoid all contact with the Ninevites, so that he would not be a vessel of God’s reconciliation towards them if they repented. And clearly that’s what the Ninevites did. Though they were exceedingly wicked in their ways. When they heard Jonah’s preaching they heeded the warning and went into a deep repentance; both humbling themselves and putting their sins away. Why then shouldn’t they receive God’s mercy? Therefore that Jonah would rather die, than see Israel’s enemies receive mercy from God, reveals a longstanding error in God’s covenant people. For God does not delight in the death of anyone, rather that all should turn from their wicked ways to Him and live, as He says: "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord God, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23
Just as the prophet Isaiah boldly cries out to all:
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
And even more to the point for us as recipients’ of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us then remember Jesus’ own willingness to bear the wrath of God against all of our sins on the cross so that God could pardon all of our sins the moment we believed in Him (Eph. 1:13-14). It then seems incredibly unChrist like that we who are the recipients of this amazing grace and gift from God (John 3:16), would willfully devise ways to withhold it, punish, or shut others out from it. Yet sadly that is often the case when it comes to obeying Christ’s commandments for us to forgive and or seek reconciliation with those who have sinned against us (Matt. 5:21-26; 44, 6:4; 18:15-35; Luke 17:3-4; 2 Cor. 2:5-11). For though much grace is being preached, when the hurts touch home, how much of it is actually being practiced? Verse four then is God’s response to Jonah's unjust anger at the prospect of the people of Nineveh being shown mercy. 4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”Now the prayer and conversation between God and Jonah is very intimate and reveals God’s tenderness in dealing with His hurt children. That is the tone expressed in God’s question. Yet Jonah’s response to it is simply not to respond. Instead he again seeks to leave the presence of the Lord, though this time not as drastically as he did the first time. Now on a theological note the Lord’s question touches on the heart of His Sovereignty. For the Word of the Lord is this: … “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” Rom. 9:15
Therefore Jonah did not want to preach to the Ninevites, for if they repented, Jonah knew that God would pardon them. Jonah's wrath then in verse three, which follows his right declaration of God's Nature and dealings with all people everywhere in verse two, is exceedingly selfish given his right understanding of the graciousness of God. Who is always willing to forgive His enemies if in repentance and faith they turn to Him. Instead Jonah's response to this amazing outpouring of the grace of God is simply to say: "Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!" vs. 3 God showing the Ninevites mercy then was such an intolerable evil in the eyes of Jonah that he would rather die than actually see it! Jonah’s words and attitude are extreme to say the least, given Jonah’s own recent restoration that God mercifully had shown him, when he cried out to Him. Yet how much of Jonah’s attitude towards the Ninevites is reflected in our own attitudes when we are faced with the prospect of seeing God’s grace shown those whom we harbour hatred or a deep dislike for? Maybe because they have wronged or hurt us, or someone we love or care about? Especially if we believe that God’s offer to pardon their sins just maybe received by them. Jonah then is hardly unique in his anger. Just as he was not unique in seeking to avoid all contact with the Ninevites, so that he would not be a vessel of God’s reconciliation towards them if they repented. And clearly that’s what the Ninevites did. Though they were exceedingly wicked in their ways. When they heard Jonah’s preaching they heeded the warning and went into a deep repentance; both humbling themselves and putting their sins away. Why then shouldn’t they receive God’s mercy? Therefore that Jonah would rather die, than see Israel’s enemies receive mercy from God, reveals a longstanding error in God’s covenant people. For God does not delight in the death of anyone, rather that all should turn from their wicked ways to Him and live, as He says: "Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord God, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?" Ezekiel 18:23
Just as the prophet Isaiah boldly cries out to all:
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7
And even more to the point for us as recipients’ of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us then remember Jesus’ own willingness to bear the wrath of God against all of our sins on the cross so that God could pardon all of our sins the moment we believed in Him (Eph. 1:13-14). It then seems incredibly unChrist like that we who are the recipients of this amazing grace and gift from God (John 3:16), would willfully devise ways to withhold it, punish, or shut others out from it. Yet sadly that is often the case when it comes to obeying Christ’s commandments for us to forgive and or seek reconciliation with those who have sinned against us (Matt. 5:21-26; 44, 6:4; 18:15-35; Luke 17:3-4; 2 Cor. 2:5-11). For though much grace is being preached, when the hurts touch home, how much of it is actually being practiced? Verse four then is God’s response to Jonah's unjust anger at the prospect of the people of Nineveh being shown mercy. 4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”Now the prayer and conversation between God and Jonah is very intimate and reveals God’s tenderness in dealing with His hurt children. That is the tone expressed in God’s question. Yet Jonah’s response to it is simply not to respond. Instead he again seeks to leave the presence of the Lord, though this time not as drastically as he did the first time. Now on a theological note the Lord’s question touches on the heart of His Sovereignty. For the Word of the Lord is this: … “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” Rom. 9:15
Vs. 5-8 So Jonah leaves the city goes and sits on its east side; and there he builds a shelter and sits under it “...till he might see what would become of the city.” vs. 5 Jonah then is still hoping for the Ninevites destruction. Nonetheless God’s lovingkindness is again highlighted as He prepares a plant to shade Jonah in his misery (vs. 6). And though Jonah in his heart is thankful for the plant; he is still keeping his heart from God. Now the Scripture says that “… as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. "And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live." Vs. 7-8
Now God’s lovingkindness for Jonah did not end when these events, which He created, began. For God is dealing with Jonah is just as a loving Father deals with his children when after he gives them time to work out their hurt and anger, but they continue to harbor it. Therefore God’s actions are a response to Jonah’s unwillingness to let his go. They are not designed to punish Jonah in his misery, but rather to get him to reopen the door of communication, and for him to ultimately see his own selfishness. Jonah’s response to these events though is the same as before; ...Then he wished death for himself, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” vs. 8
Vs. 9-11 With Jonah’s unreasonableness God once again initiates dialogue by asking him a question; 9 Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “It is right for me to be angry, even to death!” 10 But the Lord said,“You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left—and much livestock? vs. 9-11
With God’s question to Jonah and Jonah’s angry self justifying response, God’s mercy and patience stands in stark contrast with Jonah’s self centeredness. Now several points are being made by God. The first is that God is the sole proprietor of creation. He creates, nourishes, and sustains all. And He makes this point to Jonah through the analogy of the plant, which He caused to grow and then wither; which Jonah had pity on because it brought him much comfort. Yet Jonah did not have any empathy towards the Ninevites who are far more valuable than a mere plant; which arose in a day and was soon gone. Another is that unlike Jonah who had a true knowledge of God. The Ninevites did not, for they could not even discern between their right hand and their left, and thus that in itself was cause enough for God to be concerned about their welfare. For they had not yet rejected God; they simply didn’t know Him. Now the fact the God mentions even much livestock (vs. 11) indicates that God as Creator of all has an undeniable concern for all His creation; both of man and beast (Rev. 11:18). Those then who would deny God's loving concern for any of His creation no nothing of God, nor His love for all people, as they should know and worship Him.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982,
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