• The book takes place somewhere around 780 B.C., in the time of Jeroboam II (I Kings 14:25.
  • The story of Jonah is factual and not just an allegory because Jesus refers to it as such in the New Testament (Matthew 12:39-41.
  • Jeremiah 18:7-10.
    • Why did Ninevah react so well to Jonah’s preaching? Luke 11:29-30 shows that Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites. Somehow they knew about Jonah’s plight and it effected them greatly. Historically, the nation of Syria was also a a low point when Jonah did his preaching.
    • The Ninevites showed true repentance by changing their minds and their actions, from the king down to the common man.
  • Jonah 4 - Jonah shows his Jewish bias. He was biased against the Ninevites from the beginning, which is why he didn’t want to go preach to them. He was extremely upset when God did not destroy them for their sins.
  • Application:
    • We must learn God’s compassion for all people.
    • National sin requires national repentance.
    • God is the Creator and all creation is at His disposal.
    • We must obey God if we are to have His blessing.