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Jonah 3

10 verses

TL;DR

Jonah is commanded to preach to Nineveh; the city repents, and God spares them.

Summary

God sends Jonah a second time to warn Nineveh of impending judgment. Jonah obeys and declares that the city will be overthrown in forty days. The people, from the greatest to the least, respond by fastingly and putting on sackcloth, showing genuine remorse. The king of Nineveh also abandons his throne, dons sackcloth, and sits in ashes, issuing a decree that all must fast, avoid food and drink, and repent. As a result, the people and beasts of the city turn from their evil ways, and the city is saved. God observes their repentance, feels remorse for His intended judgment, and does not carry it out, demonstrating divine mercy.

Outline
  1. 1. Jonah’s obedience to the second command to preach to Nineveh
  2. 2. The collective repentance of Nineveh’s people and king
  3. 3. God’s response of mercy and the salvation of the city
Themes
repentancedivine mercyobedience
Keywords
NinevehJonahrepentancesackclothfastdecreeGod’s mercydivine anger
People
JonahKing of NinevehPeople of Nineveh
Places
Nineveh
Things
sackclothfastashesdecreeGod’s angerGod’s mercy
Key Verses
  • Jonah 3:4: Shows the city’s response to Jonah’s warning
  • Jonah 3:5: Illustrates the widespread repentance and fasting
  • Jonah 3:10: Reveals God’s mercy after the people repent
Questions
  • Why did Jonah initially refuse to go to Nineveh?
  • How did the city’s repentance differ from Jonah’s warning?
  • What does this passage teach about God’s character regarding judgment and mercy?
  • In what ways does the king’s actions influence the city’s response?
  • What can modern believers learn about repentance from the Ninevites’ example?
Sentiment

positive
Illustrates God’s willingness to forgive and spare those who genuinely repent.