A Summary of the Book of Jonah | GotQuestions.org

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In today's video we're going to survey and briefly summarize the book of Jonah. Then afterwards, as always,

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I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end. As for the author,

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Jonah chapter 1 verse 1 identifies the book as telling the story of the prophet

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Jonah. Although the book is written in the third person, the traditional view is that Jonah is the author of the book, and there is no persuasive reason to theorize about an unknown author.

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As for the date of writing, the book of Jonah was likely written between 793 and 758

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B .C. Now for the purpose of writing. Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book.

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Jonah's experience in the belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents during this equally unique retreat.

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His initial disobedience leads not only to his personal revival but to that of the

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Ninevites as well. Many classify the revival which Jonah brings to Nineveh as one of the greatest evangelistic efforts of all time.

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Here are some key verses. Jonah chapter 1 verse 3, But Jonah ran away from the

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LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jonah chapter 1 verse 17,

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But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

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Jonah chapter 2 verse 2, In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.

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From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah chapter 3 verse 10,

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When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction

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He had threatened. Here's a brief summary. Jonah's fear and pride cause him to run from God.

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He does not wish to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to the people as God has commanded because he feels they are his enemies and he is convinced that God will not carry out his threat to destroy the city.

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Instead, he boards a ship for Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction. Soon a raging storm causes the crew to cast lots and determine that Jonah is the problem.

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They throw him overboard, and he is swallowed by a great fish. In its belly for three days and three nights,

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Jonah repents of his sin to God, and the fish vomits him up on dry land. We wonder what took him so long to repent.

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Jonah then makes the 500 -mile trip to Nineveh and leads the city in a great revival.

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But the prophet is displeased, actually pouts instead of being thankful when Nineveh repents.

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Jonah learns his lesson, however, when God uses a wind, a gourd, and a worm to teach him that He is merciful.

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As for foreshadowings, that Jonah is a type of Christ is clear from Jesus' own words.

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In Matthew 12, verses 40 -41, Jesus declares that He will be in the grave the same amount of time

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Jonah was in the whale's belly. He goes on to say that while the Ninevites repented in the face of Jonah's preaching, the

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Pharisees and teachers of the law who rejected Jesus were rejecting one who was far greater than Jonah.

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Just as Jonah brought the truth of God regarding repentance and salvation to the Ninevites, so too does

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Jesus bring the same message of salvation of and through God alone in John 14, verse 6 and Romans 11, verse 36.

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Now for some practical application. We cannot hide from God. What He wishes to accomplish through us will come to pass, despite all our objections and foot -dragging.

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Ephesians 2, verse 10 reminds us that He has plans for us, and we'll see to it that we conform to those plans.

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How much easier would it be if we, unlike Jonah, would submit to Him without delay? God's love manifests itself in His accessibility to all, regardless of our reputation, nationality, or race.

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The free offer of the gospel is for all people, in all times. Our task as Christians is to be the means by which

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God tells the world of the offer and to rejoice in the salvation of others. This is an experience

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God wants us to share with Him, not being jealous or resentful of those who come to Christ in last -minute conversions or who come through circumstances dissimilar to our own.

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Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content.

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And check out the details section below this video, where you'll find one book I recommend, along with links to several related questions.

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