Jonah

 + Nature of the Book:
.Jonah is one of the Minor Prophets, but unlike most prophetic books, it is written as a narrative story rather than a collection of prophecies. It tells the account of the prophet Jonah, his attempt to flee from God’s mission, his encounter with a great fish, and God’s mercy on the people of Nineveh.

 + Main Themes:

. God’s mercy: The book highlights God’s compassion not only for Israel but also for other nations, even the wicked city of Nineveh.

. Obedience vs. disobedience: Jonah’s resistance shows the futility of running from God’s call.

. Repentance: Nineveh’s sincere repentance leads to God’s forgiveness.

. God’s sovereignty: God controls nature (the storm, the fish, the plant) to accomplish His purposes.

. Human weakness: Jonah’s anger and reluctance reveal the struggle between human prejudice and God’s universal love.

 + Interpretations:

. Historical view: A true account of Jonah’s mission to Nineveh and God’s mercy on a pagan city.

. Symbolic view: Jonah’s three days in the fish prefigure Christ’s death and resurrection (as Jesus Himself references in Matthew 12:40).

. Moral lesson: God’s people are called to share His compassion, not restrict His grace.

 + Structure:
.The story is told in four short chapters: Jonah’s call and flight, his prayer from inside the fish, Nineveh’s repentance after his preaching, and Jonah’s struggle with God’s mercy.

 + Key Verse:
“Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9)