Jonah 1

This week, we begin a four week study of the book of Jonah!

Jonah is a Bible School and Sunday School favorite. What do you remember from Jonah growing up? Most likely, the "whale" (the Hebrew says "big fish" - we can talk about him later).

The story of Jonah endures, for many reasons. Most importantly, Jonah is human. And his story reveals a lot about the character of the LORD to us.

Jonah is part of the collection of the Book of the Twelve, or the Minor Prophets (called minor because their books are smaller, not more or less important). Most of these prophets are short on narrative about their respective prophet and long on message, usually a prophecy to Judah or Israel (the divided kingdoms of Israel), or some surrounding nation.

OT reference:

Jonah is a common name. The book of Jonah gives us no real historical foothold, instead a large window of time, because Ninevah prominence lasted only so long before the Medes and Babylonians overran them.

However, 2 Kings 14.25 mentions a Jonah. Some say are the same prophet. It is plausible, but no one really knows.

Mark 4.35 (compare Mt 8.23-27, Luke 8.22-25) shows Jesus in a boat, asleep. The contrast between Jesus' and Jonah's experiences in the boat certainly come to mind.

Have more fun with Jonah here.