Jonah Chapter 1

Introduction 

The book of Jonah is a remarkable short story about a prophet of God who becomes the greatest obstacle to the plans and purposes of God for redemption. This story plays around with the satirical form of storytelling. The book also draws heavily on stories, and themes from the rest of the scriptures which were available at the time of its writing. This is a very subversive story where all the characters act in ways that are unexpected and God has to bend nature to force his human representative to share his message. Stories that will be echoed throughout this book are ones like the Lord's representative passing through the waters (Genesis 7-8, and Exodus 14). The Lord's chosen representatives grumbling against him in the wilderness after a moment of redemption and salvation (Exodus 16-17, 1 Kings 19). God Giving an evil nation the opportunity to repent (Genesis 18, Exodus 5-11). Another feature of this book, and greater jewish literature, is strategically placed repeat words and phrases. This acts as threads which tie the whole story together in fun and illuminating ways. Be on the lookout for these repeat words and phrases as you read the story.