Jonah- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Jonah
• Audience: Jonah
• Original Hebrew Name: יוֹנה
• Translated Greek Name: Ἰωνᾶς
• Common English Name: Jonah
• Transliteration: Yonah
• Meaning: Dove
• Date Created: c 770-730 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 809-772 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Jonah
  • The ship's captain and crew
  • The Ninevites
• Key Themes:
  • Jonah flees from G-d and forsakes his mission (Jonah 1:1-2:10)
  • Jonah turns to G-d and completes his mission (Jonah 3:1-4:11)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  Jonah is a unique book of prophecy and history in Scripture because it focuses on the prophet himself rather than his message. G-d sends Jonah to Nineveh, the capital city of Israel's archenemy, Assyria, with a call to repentance. Jonah reacts by rebelling, not wishing for the enemy of his people to hear such a message. While fleeing from G-d, Jonah is swallowed by a fish and then repents from his disobedience. The fish vomits Jonah back onto land, and he fulfills his assignment. After Nineveh repents and G-d forgives them, Jonah resents G-d's mercy towards them. The book closes with G-d's lesson to Jonah regarding compassion.

• Location Created: unknown
• Content Location: Israel, Joppa, Nineveh
• Teaches:
  • G-d is sovereign over all mankind.
  • G-d desires repentance.
  • G-d extends His mercy to all nations if they repent.
  • G-d is compassionate.
• Chapters: 4
• Verses: 48