Author: The author of the book is not clearly specified. Even though the main character of the book is clearly established and the focus, some believe that the book was written after the fact by an unknown author. Regardless of the author, the facts of the book should not be in dispute; even the Lord referred to the events of Jonah as fact (see: Matthew 12:39-41 ; 16:4 ; Luke 11:29-32 ).

Date: Whether Jonah was the author or someone after the fact, the book depicts events during the life of Jonah. He was a prophet of God during the reign of Jeroboam II ( II Kings 14:25 ); he was called to prophesy to the great Gentile city of Nineveh in Assyria . Assyria was an antagonistic state to his native Israel and the prophet was sure that if God had pity on Nineveh , it would lead to the destruction of his own country, thus we see the motivation behind his attempt to hide from the presence of the Lord and this task!

Purpose: The book is designed to enhance the understanding of God's character and grace as encompassing all men, not just the chosen of Israel . Even though Israel was the focus of the revelation of the Old Testament (this in fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham – Genesis 12:3 ; 22:18 ); here we have additional glimpses of the fact that God was actively involved in the understanding of all men (this is evident in the fact that Nineveh could not repent to a God they did not know).

Jonah was a nationalist and feared Assyria and its ability and desire to destroy his own nation. This motivated him to attempt to flee the responsibility that God had charged him with; after some miraculous influence, he did according to the word of the Lord. This was a sign to Jonah which he also used when he finally presented his prophecy of doom to Nineveh .

When the city repented and God was merciful on them, Jonah was distraught and angry fearing the doom of his own nation. God would then teach Jonah through a lesson in the gift of a plant, which if a mean and perishable plant could have value to Jonah in harsh weather, of how much greater value to God should be the estimate of thousands, even Gentiles, who repented to Him.

For the Christian there are many lessons in this book, however, one I would like to share at this point is the illustration of repentance given in the words of the king of Nineveh , note:

Jonah 3:8

“But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.”

Good Reading !