JONAH 4

GOD’S MERCY + JONAH’S ANGER

Instead of rejoicing in response to the Ninevites' repentance, Jonah is angry with God’s abounding love and kindness. Knowing God forgave the Ninevites, Jonah sees this mercy as too lenient and gracious. Jonah is frustrated knowing that his enemies received the same grace that he received from God. Jonah is so bitter and enraged that he wants to end his life.

God questions Jonah, asking if his anger is really justified.

Jonah goes outside of the city, staying near to keep an eye on the Ninevites. During this time, God sends a plant to shade Jonah and Jonah is very pleased. The next day, God kills the plant by having a worm attack the roots. God sends heat, making Jonah uncomfortable and without shade. Now for the third time, Jonah asks to die.

God questions Jonah again, asking if his anger is really justified.

Jonah responds, justified in his anger and wanting to die. In God’s response, He compares the city of Nineveh to the plant. God created both the plant and the Ninevites and has the ultimate authority over them both. God tells Jonah that he has no right to be angry over the plant or the fate of the Ninevites. God cares for the Ninevites far more than the plant and was pleased to forgive them for their sin.

After God’s powerful response to Jonah, the book ends abruptly.