The Book of Jonah: A Summary
The Book of Jonah is one of the most fascinating books in the Bible. It tells the story of a prophet named Jonah who is sent by God to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. However, Jonah is reluctant to obey and tries to run away from God. He ends up being swallowed by a great fish and spends three days and three nights in its belly before being vomited up onto the shore. After this experience, Jonah finally agrees to go to Nineveh and preach to the people there. They listen to his message and repent, and God decides not to destroy the city.
60-Second Read: The Book of Jonah
Chapter 1: Jonah is called by God to preach to Nineveh, but he tries to flee on a ship. A storm arises, and Jonah tells the sailors to throw him overboard. The storm stops, and Jonah is swallowed by a great fish."But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights." – Jonah 1:17
Chapter 2: Jonah prays from inside the fish, asking for God’s help. God hears his prayer and the fish vomits him up onto the shore."From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: ‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.’" – Jonah 2:1-2
Chapter 3: Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches to the people. They repent, and God decides not to destroy the city."When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust." – Jonah 3:6
Chapter 4: Jonah is angry that God did not destroy Nineveh, but God teaches him a lesson about compassion."But the Lord said, ‘You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh?’" – Jonah 4:10-11
Experience the power of Jonah in 1 minute and read the entire book to learn more about God’s mercy and forgiveness.