Jonah was a man chosen by God to deliver an important message, but instead of obeying, he tried to run away. As he sailed far from his mission, a violent storm threatened to destroy the ship, forcing the terrified sailors to throw him into the sea. Just when it seemed like the end, a giant fish swallowed him, keeping him alive for three days in total darkness. After praying for mercy, Jonah was given another chance and finally went to Nineveh, where something unexpected happened—God showed great kindness to the very people Jonah thought deserved punishment.
Jonah Receives God’s Command
One day, in the land of Israel, God spoke to a man named Jonah, the son of Amittai. Jonah was an ordinary man, but on this day, he received an extraordinary calling. God’s voice was strong and unmistakable as He gave Jonah a clear command:
“Get up and go to Nineveh, that great and powerful city. Speak out against it, for I have seen how wicked and sinful its people have become.” (Jonah 1:2)
Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, a place infamous for its cruelty, violence, and corruption. The people there did not follow God’s ways, and their sins had reached a breaking point. God wanted Jonah to travel to Nineveh and warn its people to change their ways before it was too late.
But Jonah was afraid. He knew how ruthless the Ninevites were and did not want to go anywhere near them. Perhaps he feared for his life, or maybe he simply did not believe they deserved God’s mercy. Whatever his reasons, Jonah decided he would not obey God’s command. Instead of heading toward Nineveh, he made up his mind to run in the opposite direction, as far away from God’s mission as he could go.