This was the Greatest Revival in Recorded History in the Book of Jonah

Introduction

There are plenty of bible stories that we can read about in God’s Word. But I have decided to tell you about one of my favor bible stories and the great prophet Jonah and what God instructed him to do. This story is about Jonah and the city of Nineveh and its people which God instructed him to go there and preach repentance to all the people for their sins.
Now Jonah was a prophet of Israel, who lived about the time of Jeroboam II in (II Kings 14:25). Jonah name means dove, and he occupies a unique place as the first foreign missionary. Also the historical character of Jonah’s preservation in the great fish or (whale), and his preaching to the inhabitants of the city of Nineveh is attested by our Lord Jesus Christ, but who likens the prophet’s experience to his own burial and resurrection in (Matthew 12:38-42). There are just four chapters in this book of Jonah, and this book has suffered from overemphasis upon the miracle of the great fish. But in verse seventeen no other miracle of the Scripture has called forth so much unbelief. But it has been claimed that a whale could not swallow a man, yet there are types of whales that have been found that could easily do so. However, the word used here, like the one in (Matthew 12:40); where this word is mistranslated, and it does not mean whale but sea monster, or maybe it was a whale shark or rhino don, the largest of all fish, and they sometimes attaining a length of seventy feet long. But the real miracle is not the swallowing of Jonah while he was still alive, but the real miracle was he was still alive for three days and nights while he was in the belly of the fish. Also this great fish cast Jonah out of this great fish’s mouth on to the dry land. After all, this miracle is what might be expected of a divine love, and interposing for good in a physically and morally disordered universe in (Romans 8:19-23). Also the Word of God tells us that Jonah prayed which implies that he was alive and conscious. Now the prayer is full of passages from the Psalms, indicating that Jonah had stored the Word of God in his heart. (Romans 15:4); Also the book of Jonah is full of the supernatural; aside from the story of the great fish. But you can read about the gourd, the worm, the east wind, and, the greatest of all these stories is about Jonah and the repentance of the entire city of Nineveh. Here I would like to say; that our Lord God showed His great love and mercy by sparing all the people in the city of Nineveh, because all of the people repented of their sins. Also their King repented of his sins too. I am sure that the people that lived in the city of Nineveh are very great-full to God that He sent His messenger Jonah to preach repentance to them and they were all saved because God spared all of them.

I) “The Disobedience and the Flight of Jonah the Prophet”.

Jonah; Chapter 1: (KJV)

1) Read: The word of the Lord came unto Jonah; for he was the son of Amittai, saying (Jonah 1:1); (KJV)

Explanation: Now the book of Jonah was written about in the year 800 B.C. or maybe a little later. The name Jonah means “a dove,” and the name Amittai means “true”. Here the Word of the Lord is a statement, which demonstrates the truthfulness of the entire book of Jonah. Also here I believe that the prophet Jonah, was told by our Lord God that he was to go and deliver the message of repentance, to the people of Nineveh which was commissioned by God (Jehovah).

2) Read: Arise and go to Nineveh, that great, and cry out against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. (Jonah 1:2); (KJV)

Explanation: In this verse two, we find out that Nineveh was the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant force in the world of that day. Now the message was given to the prophet Jonah by the Holy Spirit, “Arise, and go to Nineveh,” and this must have been a shock to Jonah, to say the least. Here this command was given by the Lord God to, “Cry out against it”, for their wickedness is come up before me. The Prophet Jonah was to warm the people of their sins and to tell them that God’s judgment was coming if they did not repent.

3) Read: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish, from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:3); (KJV)

Explanation: Jonah refuses to obey the Lord’s warming for the people of Nineveh and flees from God. Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish, from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish; which was in the opposite direction to Nineveh.

4) Read: But the Lord, sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was likely to be broken. (Jonah 1:4); (KJV)

Explanation: In this verse four the Lord God, sent out a great wind into the sea, now this is but the first of several phases of this nature, where the Lord God took a direct hand in guiding the affairs of the Prophet Jonah.

5) Read: Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship unto the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. (Jonah 1:5); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse five the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god for help. But while the sailors were praying to their gods Jonah was still a sleep down in the sides of the ship. The storm grew more powerful, and the sailors onboard tried to do everything possible to save their ship. But the problem wasn’t their goods, it was the prophet Jonah.

6) Read: So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him. What meanest thou O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. (Jonah 1:6); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse six the shipmaster came to Jonah and instructed him to arise and call upon his God (Jehovah). The shipmaster ask Jonah to pray to his God, and if so be it that his God (Jehovah), would think upon them, that they would not perish in this storm.

7) Read: And they said everyone to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. (Jonah 1:7); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse seven the ship’s crew, said let us cast lots, so that we may know for whose cause this evil to come upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

8) Read: Then said they unto him, tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us. What is thine occupation? And whence comest thou? What is thy country? And of what people art thou? (Jonah 1:8); (KJV)

Explanation: In this verse eight the ship’s crew, probed the Prophet Jonah and the questions asked by these heathen hit at the very heart of the plan of God, not only for Israel, but for the entirety of the human family for all time.

9) Read: And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. (Jonah 1:9); (KJV)

Explanation: Here Jonah said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. For my God (Jehovah), is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, for He is the Maker and Ruler of the sea and the dry land.

10) Read: Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. (Jonah 1:10); (KJV)

Explanation: In this verse here the men were exceedingly afraid, and they knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Now this proclaims to their amazement that the one who worshipped the Almighty Creator should disobey His Command. Also this seemed outrageous and even criminal, which it was to disobey His Commands.

11) Read: Then said they unto him, what shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? For the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. (Jonah 1:11); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse eleven the men on the ship were very much afraid, and they did not know just what to do because the storm was growing more intense even by the moment.

II) “Jonah and the Great Fish.” “Jonah is swallowed by a big fish.”
A) Here is this second part of chapter one where Jonah tries to run away and disobey god’s command. But God told Jonah to go and preach in this wick city about their wick sins and God said, if the people would repent of their sins He would spare all them and the city of Nineveh. (Next you should Start reading with verse twelve of chapter one).

12) Read: And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. (Jonah 1:12); (KJV)

Explanation: Here the Prophet Jonah said to them, take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Jonah had realized that he had come to the place of recognition regarding his disobedience to God. He was willing to suffer the fate which was due him because of him disobedience, which he thought was death.

13) Read: Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. (Jonah 1:13); (KJV)

Explanation: Now even though they were sure about him being the cause of a storm. But still they were not certain as to what his God would do to them, even though as to throwing Jonah overboard would mean his certain death. But the storm was still raging, and they knew that Jehovah was the cause of such; but no matter what they did, they did not want to further offend the Lord God.

14) Read: Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, we beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee. (Jonah 1:14); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse fourteen they cried unto the Lord, and said, we beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee. Now this prayer is remarkable, considering that the ship’s crew neither knew nor served Jonah’s God (Jehovah).

15) Read: So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. (Jonah 1:15); (KJV)

Explanation: Here they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Immediately after they threw Jonah into the sea it ceased from her raging, showing it had been sent on Jonah’s account, and that they had not sinned or committed any type of wrongdoing by executing this sentence upon him.

16) Read: Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows. (Jonah 1:16); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse sixteen, I believe that there is evidence here that they accepted the Lord God because of what they had seen. Also the men feared the Lord exceedingly, has reference to the truth that they feared God even more than Jonah did, at least up to this point. They also offered a Sacrifice unto the Lord. Probably means that they offered up an animal. Also they made vows, means that they promised themselves to continue to offer Sacrifices unto Jehovah.

17) Read: Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17); (KJV)

Explanation: Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. Also the prophet was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. This does not mean that the fish was created then and there.


Jonah: Chapter 2:

III) In chapter two of the book of Jonah he prayed to our Lord God and the Lord answered Jonah’s prayer of deliverance and repentance. But that the Lord God had a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And it was to be at a certain place and at a certain time in order to swallow Jonah. Here in this verse Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights,” this refers to at least 72 hours, because it was spoken of three literal days and three literal nights. Also the historical nature of this occurrence is even more so substantiated by Jesus Christ’s reference to it as a figure of His own burial and Resurrection.

1) Read: Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, (Jonah 2:1); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse one, we read the three short words, “Then Jonah prayed,” here is the place to which the Holy Spirit had been attempting to bring the Prophet Jonah all along. In other words, when we need help, the best place is down on your knees praying to your Lord God to help you no matter what the problem is, for God can answer your prayers if it is his will.

2) Read: And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. (Jonah 2:2); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse two through nine, the Prophet Jonah quotes from the book of Psalms, eight times, and they are 3, 18, 31, 43, 116, 120, and 142. The quotes are, “out of the belly of hell cried I, and you heard my voice.” This quote does not mean that Jonah actually went to the burning side of Hell. But he is using a metaphor, or a symbolism, concerning the terrible ordeal which he experienced. Also from this text, there is no evidence that he literally died and was resurrected, as some teach about this scripture. But Jonah cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD GOD, and He heard my voice.

3) Read: For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. (Jonah 2:3); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse three; for you had cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: and all thy billows and God’s waves passed over me. Now this pertains to the time between when he was thrown into the sea and when he was swallowed up by the “great fish.” It was during this time, that Jonah thought he was going to drown.

4) Read: Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. (Jonah 2:4); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse four, of the first phrase refers to his despair when he was cast overboard. Here his words are similar to (Psalms 31:22). But I will look again toward God’s Holy Temple. This refers to him praying to the Lord God and he was asking Him for Mercy.

5) Read: The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me roundabout, the weeds were wrapped about my head. (Jonah 2:5); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse five, there is evidence that the ship in which Jonah was sailing was not very far offshore when the storm broke, because the mariners attempted to row back to shore to put Jonah back on land. But the possibility exists that the waters were not so deep at this particular place, and that he could have gone to the bottom, resulting in “weeds being wrapped about his head.” Now the waters compassed me about, even to the soul,” refers to Jonah nearly drowning.”

6) Read: I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me forever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. (Jonah 2:6); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse six, Jonah said, I went down to the bottom of the mountains, and the earth with her bars was about me forever, and this is referring to Jonah’s near drowning experience. But O God, only you brought up my life from the corruption. Now this refers to Jonah being saved from drowning and from the corruption of the past few days, which he was referring to his running from his Lord God and not obeying him. Then Jonah gives the Lord God all the praise and glory for this great act of mercy. Here in this statement, “O Lord my God.” Jonah is now showing that he is back in fellowship with the Lord God.

7) Read: When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. (Jonah 2:7); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse seven, this first phrase when Jonah cry out that my soul fainted within me when I remembered my Lord God. It was then that I knew that my prayer came in to you and into God’s Holy Temple.

8) Read: They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. (Jonah 2:8); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse eight, Jonah realized that his suffering was a result from his self-will and his negation of the Lord God had now become a matter of personal experience to Jonah, for he had forsaken his God and united in travel with idolaters on this boat. Here the phrase, “forsake their own mercy,” means that God is ready, able, and is willing to show “mercy” to any and to all who will call upon His name and believe in Him. Also he is to forsake that which is to forsake everything and God will show him mercy.

9) Read: But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (Jonah 2:9); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse nine, the phrase “Salvation is of the Lord God,” presents the last lesson that a proud man consents to learn; for it teaches him that he cannot contribute to his own Salvation. Here we ask the question, what can Jonah do inside this great fish? Also if man is to be saved, then Salvation must be wholly divine.

10) Read: And the LORD spoke unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. (Jonah 2:10); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse ten, the LORD spoke unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Now once again this miracle of Jonah and the great fish portrays the Lord God is in total control over all His Creation. Also the “fish” quickly obeyed the Lord God’s, command and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Jonah; Chapter 3:

IV) The Greatest Revival in this History of this Time. (862 B.C.)
Now in this chapter three Jonah prayed to God which implies that he was alive and still conscious after his three days in the belly of (Sheol), which means hell in the King James Bible. It was known that the city of Nineveh was one of the greatest cities of ancient times. This city was so large that it’s metropolitan area that it would take three days to go around it. This statement in Jonah, which describes it, “as a city of three days journey.” Here the message of Jonah, as is so often the case in prophetic books, was ethically conditioned. But our God said to Jonah arise, if Nineveh repented of their sins, it would be spared; if it refused, it was to be destroyed.

1) Read: And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying. (Jonah 3:1); (KJV)

Explanation: Here in verse one, for the second time, it seems to imply that Jonah has earnestly sought the Lord God regarding his continued commission. But he was fearful that he would do something that the Lord God did not desire. So I believe that Jonah waited until there was a definite re-commission. Here it does not show a reticence on his part, but rather a compelling desire to please his Lord God.

2)  Read: Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. (Jonah 3:2); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse two, now the commission given here is basically the same as that which was given in verse two of chapter one. Also the Holy Spirit said, “Cry against it,” but here God says, “Preach unto it.” Here Jonah was to preach unto the people of Nineveh, that which I bid you. This refers to the Lord God being the Author of all that Jonah was to say.

3) Read: So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey. (Jonah 3:3); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse three, history tells us that city of Nineveh, according to the Word of the Lord God. Now this city of Nineveh was an exceeding great city that would take at least a three days journey for a man to travel around it.

4) Read: And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. (Jonah 3:4); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse four, The Prophet Jonah, came into the city from about a 12 miles distance. “And Jonah cried,” proclaims him standing possibly in some marketplace or maybe he was at a busy intersection in that city. Now Jonah began to lifting up his voice, and he was loud shouting the message that the Lord God had given him. Here Jonah began preaching the message that the Lord God had given him. Now here is the massage that the Prophet Jonah told the people of Nineveh, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” It is recorded in the book of (Matthew 16:1-4); and (Luke 11:30). Here Jonah was a “sign” to the people in the city of Nineveh; that he was a personal illustration of the Wrath and also the Grace of God.

V) God said to Jonah arise, if Nineveh repented of their sins, it would be spared; if it refused, it was to be destroyed. But the people of Nineveh repented of their sins and the Lord God Granted all the people of Nineveh and showed the mercy.

5) Read: So the people of Nineveh “believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. (Jonah 3:5); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse five, It was here that we have one of the few times in history where the people, even heathen, are actually believing that Prophet Jonah was sent by the Lord God. Now it is recorded in God’s Word, that they repented of their sins, “from the greatest of them even to the least of them,” and all of them repented of their sins, from the King and down to the lowest servant.

6) Read: For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. (Jonah 3:6); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse six, here it is said that the Word of the Lord had comes unto the King of Nineveh, and He repented too. And the King arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Also the King proclaims a heartfelt disposition which abdicated his lofty position as a leading Monarch of the world in favor of the Lord God (Jehovah). Here I believe that the King was saying, “Lord God”, “You are King,” and not I.” Also the King laid his robe from him, and by doing this the King is signifies a total commitment to the commands of the Lord God.

7) Read: And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: (Jonah 3:7); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse seven, now to make sure, that the decree of the King and his nobles had not caused the repentance, but the King in no way, said the result of what was already happening was the work of the Lord God. We as Christians know that repentance cannot be legislated, and Salvation cannot be legislated. But these kinds of action must always be a result of God Himself.

8) Read: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. (Jonah 3:8); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse eight, we know that true Repentance always involves separation from evil. “And cry mightily unto God,” refers to all people, this must come from the least to the greatest of all. Now by admitting their sin before the Lord God and that they deserve destruction, but they were pleading for mercy. And the idea is to turn from the “evil ways” to “God’s Way.” We should know that our Lord God does not save “in sin,” but instead “from sin.” Therefore, the idea that the blood of Jesus Christ is the only difference between the saved and the unsaved is facetious indeed! Now this was, in fact, the special sin of the Assyrians. They were always grasping after empires, they were oppressing other nations, and doing so with great violence. They were an extremely cruel people!

9) Read: Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not? (Jonah 3:9); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse nine, we find a question, which says, who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not? Here I believe that our Lord God has proclaims an understanding of God that is of far greater dimension that most. But even though the Scripture is silent, but still, it seems that Jonah may have had a personal audience with the King, for verse six says, “For word came unto the King of Nineveh.” But it is unlikely that he would have had merely by hear say a firm grasp of spiritual matters, which it seems he did have. And turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not. Now this phrase, may concerns the Monarch that he truly believing the Word of the Lord God, which is not the case with most presently!

10) Read: And God saw their works that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10): (KJV)

Explanation: In verse ten, now I believe that fear and a sense of guilt causes a man to repent; but love and a sense of pity, God; for His reserves liberty of action to Himself. With our Lord God, Repentance means a change of purpose or action and never wrongdoing on His part. With man, Repentance also means a change of purpose or action, but always refers to wrongdoing on his part. Here the phrase, “And God saw their works,” does not refer to Salvation being of works, but that their faith had works, which was Repentance in the book of (James 2:26).

Jonah; Chapter 4:

VI) In chapter four of the book of Jonah, we find that he has displeasure, he is angry and very cold and he is complaining after he left the people of Nineveh. We also find the wideness of our God’s Mercy for the city of Nineveh and its people. Also in chapter four we see the unexpected and his overwhelming success of Jonah’s preaching resulted in Nineveh’s escape from calamity. However, this brought emotional calamity to the angry and self-pitying prophet, who wished he were dead. Now Jonah had initially fled from preaching to the people in Nineveh because he feared that God, being excessively gracious and merciful. (Please Read), (Exodus 34:6-7); Here he would find excuse to these pagan, warlike Gentiles. Now his fears had come true.

1) Read: But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. (Jonah 4:1); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse one, we find that man’s moral consciousness demands punishment for evil, and a fleshly orthodoxy requires suppression of mercy and compassion. Here the Prophet Jonah was religiously indignant that the crimes and cruelties of Nineveh should be lightly regarded by God. But in this fashion God did and He will forgive them. And just as a moral man is shocked at the idea that our God will forgive these people, cleanse, and pardon in a moment’s time, even the vilest of sin, upon proper confession and admission to God. (I John 1:9);

2) Read: And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents thee of the evil. (Jonah 4:2); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse two, Jonah quotes (Exodus 34:6); and (Numbers 14:18). He had no doubt to reason that there would be a total destruction of Nineveh, manifestly Divine, would advantage his own nation spiritually and politically. It would remove her oppressor and, at the same, convince his countrymen of the wickedness and fully of idolatry. Also God’s plan was to teach Israel by the example of Nineveh how inexcusable was their own impenitence and how inevitable their ruin was. Now there is evidence from his question here. “Was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country?” I believe that the Lord God had already told him that Nineveh would repent, if the message was properly delivered to the people. Here Jonah did not desire to hear this, so that’s why Jonah refused to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. “Also this is why he fled before unto Tarshish,” which tells us that Jonah did not desire the people of Nineveh to be spared.

3) Read: Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. (Jonah 4:3); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse three, here the Prophet Jonah probably thought that his fellow countrymen would not be happy at all with the turn of events regarding Nineveh. And because of this, Jonah was probably right. However, what others think is of little consequence; but we should remember it is always what our Lord God knows that counts.

VII) In this last part of chapter four; our Lord God teaches the Prophet Jonah a lesson about respect for the people of Nineveh and to always obey the Lord God’s Word. Also when God tell him to do something, don’t put the Lord God second to your wishes, when God is always first in everything that we do.

4) Read: Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry? (Jonah 4:4); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse four, now irrespective of Jonah’s attitude, the Lord God’s handling of the Prophet Jonah’s as always, was with gentleness. But here the Lord God bids Jonah to consider whether his anger is reasonable here.

5) Read: So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. (Jonah 4:5); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse five, here the phrase, “so Jonah went out of the city,” but he respects the view that he thought there still may be a possibility that the Lord God would destroy the city of Nineveh. Also we see him leaving, “this Move of God,” because he took no joy in seeing the conversion of these people in Nineveh.

6) Read: And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. (Jonah 4:6); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse six, “the Lord God prepared a gourd,” this proclaims the same action as the “Lord God preparing the great fish,” and later preparing the worm,” and the “east wind.” But we see here that Jonah still pouts, while the Lord God positions these things for Jonah.

7) Read: But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. (Jonah 4:7); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse seven, now religious emotions which are personal and not of the Holy Spirit can be easily affected by the provision or loss of material comforts. Just because such actually are not Faith. But now, the Lord God will prepare a worm to smite the gourd. Here again the Lord God is teaching the Prophet Jonah that God can give and God can take away!

8) Read: And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, it is better for me to die than to live. (Jonah 4:8); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse eight, now Jonah could have been in the city of Nineveh rejoicing with the people at the mercy of the Lord God. But instead Jonah is sitting out in the desert wishing to die! Remember self-will is Satanic; therefore, the Holy Spirit will go to all lengths to rid us of this malady. But here someone has well said. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross at Calvary not only to save us from sin, but also to save us from self.

9) Read: And God said to Jonah, doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. (Jonah 4:9); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse nine, it is very striking when one begins to notice the variety of names used of the Lord God in these passages of verses 6 through 9. Also the production of the gourd is an attributed to (Jehovah), and (Elohim) in verse 6, which is a composite name, which serves to mark the transition from (Jehovah) in verse 4 to (Elohim) in verses 7 and 8. Also (Jehovah), who replies to the Prophet’s complaint in verse 4, prepares the plant as (Elohim), the Creator, and the worm as “Ha Elohim,” the personal God. Here “Elohim,” is the ruler of nature, which sends the east wind to correct the Prophet’s impatience. But in verse 19, “Jehovah” sums up the history and teaches the lesson to be learned from it. Now despite the Prophet’s attitude, the Lord God continued to be patient with Jonah! We as Christians should never forget just what a wonderful Lord God that we serve.

10) Read: Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not labored, neither had you made it grow; which the gourd came up in a night, and perished in a night: (Jonah 4:10); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse ten, the Lord God said, that you have not labored, neither made the gourd to grow. Here this refers to the Prophet Jonah, having no investment whatsoever in the plant. But you being grieved at its loss, because it represented a loss to Jonah personally.

11) Read: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six-score thousand (120,000), persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? (Jonah 4:11); (KJV)

Explanation: In verse eleven, now there are many people that have misunderstood this Scripture. But many people were thinking that the city of Nineveh contained only 120,000 thousand people. However, this phrase, “who cannot discern,” this number but maybe they were speaking only of the infants and small children. But some Bible Scholars believe that the city of Nineveh had a population of around 500,000 people or more. The Book of Jonah ends abruptly, but its object has been accomplished. The Prophet Jonah is silenced on this part, and he makes no reply; but Jonah can only confess that he is entirely wrong, and that our Lord God is righteous and that is the reason for this Book of Jonah. (I believe that the Prophet Jonah learned a lesson that God would have all men, women, and all children to be saved, and that anything which would stand in the way of this all- important task is extremely displeasing to our Lord God).

  • Here is the summary of this great Biblical Story that I promised about the book of Jonah. One day the Lord called a new prophet from the land of Israel and his name was Jonah. It was here that God gave Jonah a strange message; “you must go to Nineveh and preach to the people about their sins.”
  • It was here that Jonah, “Tells them that I am displeased at their wicked ways.” “Then Jonah this asked himself this question? “Surely the Lord God could not have meant for me to go to the city of Nineveh.” Then Jonah started talking to himself and said, the Israelites are God’s only chosen people. These people in Nineveh are idol-worshipers. I just don’t believe that they are even worth my trouble. But the prophet Jonah was not really sure that he should not go. I believe that he knew that he was doing wrong, because he felt like he wanted to run away and hide. So instead of going to Nineveh, he went the other direction, toward the great sea.
  • Now here below is a short review of the Book of Jonah. I believe that by putting this great book of Jonah in a short summery will help all of us understand just what Jonah had to experience in his life. Maybe some other Christians all over this great Country of ours have had the same kind of experiences too.If you believe that you are one of those kind of Christians with troubles like Jonah had. Then I urged you to read this great book of Jonah and see if God’s Word can make a difference in your life too.
  • Here is where Jonah went wrong and I believe that it was when he disobeyed our Lord God’s calling of him to go down and preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. But no sooner had the ship set sail there was a terrible storm arose. The ship began to roll and toss as the great waves broke over the deck. All of the sailors were trying to save the ship, then the sailors begin to throw all the goods overboard so that the load would be as light as possible. Still the ship rocked as though it might go under at any moment. Then terror began to fall upon the sailors and they fell to their knees and began praying to their idol gods.
  • During all this time Jonah had been asleep in his room below the deck. Then the captain went down and shook him awake. The captain said, how can you sleep? The captain ask Jonah to start praying unto his God also; perhaps your God can save us. But Jonah’s prayers did no more than the others and the storm roared on. Finally someone decided, “There must be a man on this ship who has done wrong and he has brought this danger upon us” Let us cast lots and find out which of us it is. Then Jonah told them that he was an Israelite and that he was running away from a job that God had given him. Also Jonah told them that the only way they could save their ship would be to throw him overboard.
  • Now at first the sailors were not willing to do as the prophet Jonah had said. Instead, they tried hard to steer the ship to safety themselves. But at last they saw that it was no use, and they tossed Jonah over the side of the ship. When Jonah fell into the sea, the storm suddenly grew calm. Then the sailors, looking on, fell to their knees in worship of the powerful God whom Jonah the Israelite served.
  • It was under the water that Jonah’s body was plunged, but it was God’s mighty hand that caused a giant fish, (maybe a whale), to pass that way at that moment. Then the fish or a (whale) opened its huge mouth and sucked Johan’s alive, right into its stomach. Now three days and nights Jonah lived in the slimy darkness of the fish’s stomach. Most of that time he spent praying to God to forgive him and to save him. Then suddenly the fish opened his mouth and threw up Jonah, right up on a dry beach. When Jonah stood up in the sand, he was smoothing his ragged clothes and wiping off his skin. Then Jonah heard the call of the Lord God again; “Once again, God said, go to Nineveh and preach repentance to the people.” This time Jonah did not wait for our God, (Jehovah), to tell him again. But He hurried as quickly as he could to that great city Nineveh. The bible tells us that the journey to the city of Nineveh was a three day journey, but the Word of God tells us that the prophet Jonah made the journey in just one day.
  • Now when Jonah reached Nineveh, he preached his message of repentance to everyone that he met. Also Jonah told message to all the people, “that unless you turn from evil, then the Lord is going to destroy your city.” Jonah warned all the people as he walked up and down each street. It was to Jonah’s surprise, but the people believed what he had said. They listened as though they had been just waiting to know how they could save themselves. Then all of them grew sorry for their sins, and they all repented of their sins even the King repented too. And the King ordered that everyone in the city should pray to the Lord God for their forgiveness, and all of the people did.
  • When the Lord God saw this, God forgave the people of Nineveh and decided to save their city. But this made Jonah very angry. He was disappointed that God wanted to save these foreign people. But in his heart, he wished that God had gone ahead and destroyed them.
    Here Jonah was sulking and stubborn, but he marched out of the city. Then he built himself a little shack on the edge of town and sat down to wait and see whether or not the Lord God would destroy the city.
  • That day God caused a plant to grow up beside Jonah’s little shelter. This plant had big leaves that threw shade across Jonah and he rested happily out of the sun. Then in the night a worm ate the plant and killed it. Now as the hot wind and the sun shine begin to hit Jonah the next day, Jonah cried for his shaded vine. Then Jonah said that he would rather die than suffer in the heat. Then our God spoke to foolish Jonah; “How can you cry over a little plant that came and died in one day and then you show pity for a great city where thousands of helpless children live?” Then Jonah realized then that people are the most precious things in the world and that God cares for every person, even those who never had a chance to know about His chosen people, the Israelites, but the story of Jonah shows us that He is a God of all nations and that everyone falls under the power of His love.
  • Now the theme of this great story in the city of Nineveh and its people is that God is a merciful God and He is a God of love. But God also is a God of vengeance too. But God said, that He would spare the people and their city of Nineveh. But we as born again Christians know that our God (Jehovah) hates all sin. Because of His great love for mankind He has promised to spare them if they repent of their wickless and sinful ways and call upon the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. After Jonah was swallow by the great fish he began to pray to God to deliver him and he was cast out of the belly of this great fish on to the dry land. After all, a miracle is what might be expected of God’s great love. When our God interposing for good in a physically and morally disordered universe in (Roman 15:4).
  • We should remember that Nineveh was one of the greatest cities of the ancient times, also the city was big that it’s metropolitan area that it would take three days to go around it. I believe that verse ten in chapter four of the book of Jonah describes what our God saw their works and that they turned from their evil ways, and God spared the people because all of them repented of the evil and sinful ways. But God had said that he would do unto them, and God was true to His Word and did not destroy the people because they had repented of their sins.
  • Here in this last verse of chapter of Jonah, we learn of a great missionary lesson of the book is sharply drawn. Also we can ask the question, Are the souls of men not worth as much as a gourd? Just like Jonah, is God’s people today are often more concerned about the material benefits so freely bestowed upon us by God than about the destiny of a lost world. Now as I wind the great story of Jonah down to the end. I would like to tell you what an old preacher said in a revival that I went to several years ago. “The old preacher said, let our Lord Jesus save all of those people from their wicket ways and their sins. Then he said, let the church roll on and all of us shall be known by our fruits as we serve our Lord and savior here on earth.
  • Now as we close this great bible story about the prophet called Jonah. Below you can find some history about the city of Nineveh. Also you can answer the seven questions below if you want to. And this can be a little food for your thoughts and soul too.

Now during the time when the prophet Elijah lived, the Syrians were the greatest enemy of the Israelites of the north, and the ten tribes who had not allowed Solomon’s son. But as Elisha promised just before he died, and the Syrians were finally defeated. It was later that a new nation called Assyria became more powerful after they went down. Then the Assyrian moved into all the nations round them and conquered them. And those in the land of Israel knew that they would have to fight before long.
There were many stories told about the mighty Assyrians, especially about their great city of Nineveh. Now the city of Nineveh was so large that it would take a man three days to walk around it. Please answer the seven questions below.

1) Do you think that Jonah wanted God to destroy Nineveh?
2) What happened to the people of Nineveh when Jonah preached to them?
3) Do you think Jonah wanted God to destroy the city of Nineveh? Why?
4) What did the people of Nineveh do when they heard this bad news?
5) Did God teach Jonah an important lesson with a vine?
6) What was the lesson that God taught here?
7) Has God ever taught you the lesson of forgiveness?

I) Have you ever say, “I will never forget what you’ve done to me!” now if you can’t forget, then you haven’t forgiven. Before you ask God to forgive, you must forgive others. (Read): (Matthew 5:23-24). In the book of Matthew, verses 23 and 24; reads like this, “therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you.” Then leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

II) Now as I bring the book of Jonah to a close, always remember that our Lord God is a God of love and mercy. In the story of Jonah He gave everybody a chance to repent of their sins and because they all chose God. He spared all the people and did not destroy the great city of Nineveh. We should never forget that God will judgment everybody by the records that is kept in the books in Heaven. If your name is not found in the “Book of Life”.

III) Then you are bound for a Devil’s Hell for all eternity, and that is a shame because our God has given everybody the same change to choose Him. And He promised to all of them that are saved and has believed upon the name of Jesus that Jesus died on the cross and He shed His blood that covers their sins. But we as Christians believe that Jesus Christ rose from the death and He sits on the right side of God’s throne, where He makes intercession for prayers and forgives us of our sins if we happen to stumble or fall from Grace. I personal believe this Jesus, and I thank you every day from the bottom to the top of my soul. Thank You Jesus for what you did for all mankind.

IV) I always put a Salvation message at the end of every biblical story that I write for this Christian Ministry which I dedicated to my Lord Jesus Christ. I then put these biblical story on the enter-net and you can down load any or all you want to use for free. Also I don’t believe in selling God’s Holy Word to make money.

A) Remember; if you are not saved our God has the power to save anyone that calls upon the name of Jesus Christ and repents of their sins. Now all that are lost need God’s power of love because we have a problem with sin. The Bible tells us that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).

B) Now you can find the only way to Heaven in the book of (Romans 10:9). This scripture in the bible tells us that; “If you confess with your mouth, that “Jesus is Lord,” and that you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

C) We all need to confess our sins and ask God for his forgiveness. When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord, then this involves an agreeing with God about your sin and your need for Salvation. You must repent of your own personal sins, and by doing this you are willing to turn away from the direction in life in which you are going.

D) Now to “believe in your heart” is to place your faith in Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, also you are trusting that Jesus died on the Cross to pay for your sins. But our God proves His own love for us in that while we were sill sinners, Jesus Christ died for all of us. (Romans 5:8);

E) Remember, if you would like to have Salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ, you just sincerely pray a prayer like this one; “Please God, I confess to you my sins and I need for you to save me right now. Then I will turn away from my sins and I place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life forever. “Amen.”

F) In closing this study about the book of Jonah, never forget to pray for all of your family and friends. And be sure to give our Lord Jesus Christ all the praise, the glory, and honor for any healing that you might receive from Him.

H) I would always advice anyone who has a love one that has a terrible sickness like cancer. Please go to our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and just ask Jesus to heal your love one, and I believe that He will answer your prayer because it is God’s Will that His children be safe from all harm.

I) And after, my daughter, Donna’s first operation on her breast cancer and the doctors told our family that she has no more that 18 months to live. But our faith in God’s healing was strong and we knew that our God can healed people. Because our daughter Donna is cancer free as of today and she is much better because God answered all of our prayers. “Amen.”

J) I would always advice anyone who has a love one that has a terrible sickness like cancer. Please go to our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and just ask Jesus to heal your love one. And I believe that He will answer your prayer because it is “God’s Will” that His children be safe from all harm. And after Donna’s first operation on her breast cancer and the doctors told our family that she has no more that 18 months to live. But our faith in God’s healing was strong and we knew that our God healed people. Because our daughter Donna is cancer free as of today and she is much better because God answered all of our prayers. Amen.

K) Note: Now this concludes our Bible Study on the book of Jonah. Please pray earnestly for God’s power to work in your lives and to save all of the people that need healing of all the terrible sickness in all of the world too. Please pass this bible study on to other people if it has helped you in anyway. Remember that all the material is free on this web-site and I don’t believe in paying for God’s Holy Word.

You’re Brother in Christ,
Frank Rose