Hidden Messages in the Bible; The book of Jonah

United States
November 4, 2012 10:16pm CST
In the book of Jonah, Jonah is called upon the Lord to go to Ninevah and preach against the wickedness. But, Jonah flees. He escapes on a boat, but knowing God, you can never escape him. Fearing God, the other men on the ship decide to throw him overboard. In that moment, God provided a large fish to swallow Jonah, where he stayed 3 days, and 3 nights. Inside the fish, he prays to the Lord, then he goes back to Ninevah. Jonah obeyed God's message and the people of Ninevah had turned from their evil ways. Jonah replies, "O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious God and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." Then, God grows a vine to shade him in his discomfort. But, the next day, the vine withers and God sends a scorching east wind. Jonah still insists that it is better for him to die. God relates it to the city of ninevah and asks if he should not be concerned as well. So, as for the hidden message.. Why was Jonah so against going to Ninevah? Why was he so displeased after the people had turned from their evil ways? Why was he so adamant about dieing? God said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight, but Ninevah has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?" So.. What's the hidden message here???
1 person likes this
3 responses
Hope
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
6 Nov 12
One lesson is that we judge from what we see, from what appears to be, but God can see the hearts of people. So, if God tells us to do something, we should listen and do it. In the end it will always turn out well for those who listen to God and obey him. Also, that we cannot resist God, his will will always be done, so we do well to cooperate instead of fighting God. To him, everyone is precious.
1 person likes this
mangtony7451
@mangtony7451 (479)
•
9 Nov 12
Hi MeantToFly greetings. I believe the hidden message in the book of Jonah was not included in your 3 questions. But was mentioned in your 4th sentence, that is, Jonah's stayed 3 days and 3 nights in the fish belly. Mat. 12:38-40, the only sign that He is the true Messiah.
its-logos-plus-logic
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
6 Nov 12
I think one hidden message is that every promised judgment of God (consequences of our choices actually) there is the way out of changing course! - And another, I'd have to say, is we should care about those who are proceeding in ways we know are "under God's curse" or that is to say under the consequences and results of their current course.. Which with God having designed all things, is still God's judgment and of course God Himself is said to get angry.. and what God worth His salt wouldn't get angry at some of the heartless things people do? But now I am straying aren't I? Yes, there is always hope if folks will repent/have a change of heart toward God and His ways for our lives and also for society. ...."people who cannot tell their right from their left" - yes, until we know enough to repent, we are very pitiful!