The Jewish people hated, loathed, and feared them. 5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. z and you heard my voice.. 3 a For you cast me into the deep,. Jonah 4:1-11—Read the Bible online or download free. The leading feature of the story is that of one man sacrificed for the rest of the crew: it is the execution of the culprit, in arrest of judgment on the innocent. Do I well to be angry at the mercy of God to repenting sinners? He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Now l Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, 1 three days’ journey in breadth. 7 But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered. The backslider’s vow. Jonah 4 is the fourth (and the last) chapter of the Book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Jon 4:5 JONAH WENT OUT AND SAT DOWN AT A PLACE EAST OF THE CITY. Let us study our own hearts and ways; let us not forget our own ingratitude and obstinacy; and let us be astonished at God's patience towards us.Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710. The deepest remorse has its remedy in a return to duty. For that matter, we might hear some of the following: Complaints about the influx or type of people coming into the church [i.e. (L) 8 When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint. All rights reserved worldwide. What God really prepared was a person, a prophet. Jonah 4:1-3. The book of Jonah demonstrates the sovereignty of the Almighty as he employs his creation to accomplish the divine plan. Jonah repines at God's mercy to Nineveh, and is reproved. A gourd in the right place may do us more service than a cedar. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. 1:17; 4… 5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and # [Neh. THERE HE MADE HIMSELF A SHELTER, SAT IN ITS SHADE AND WAITED TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE CITY: "In high dudgeon he went out of the city (on its east side because there was high ground, and on the west Calah abutted on the wide fast-flowing Tigris). It is a great encouragement to hope we shall find mercy with the Lord, that he is ready to show mercy. Jonah 4:3 And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." 7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. 4. Jonah 2:4. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the glory of the Divine mercy. The Book of Jonah (Yonah יונה) is one of the twelve minor prophets included in the Tanakh. Let the conversion of sinners, which is the joy of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.5-11 Jonah went out of the city, yet remained near at hand, as if he expected and desired its overthrow. We are mistaken if we believe that all of God's people will celebrate the moving of God. Jonah 4:9, "[~'Elohiym]," the Ruler of Nature sends the east wind. The story of a fish swallowing a man and the man living sounds impossible, and since most liberal scholars deny the possibility of the supernatural, they reject the book of Jonah as anything but a fairy tale. Some would rejoice and some would leave! 11 And should I not have concern(O) for the great city of Nineveh,(P) in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”. 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at homeThat is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. The first movement is (in verses 2-4). NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Jonah 2:1 "Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly," "Then Jonah prayed": When he was in the fish's belly. 6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. 1). 4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan. “A gourd”: This seems to be a fast growing plant which in hot climates grows rapidly to … Jonah 4:5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. (5-11)1-4 What all the saints make matter of joy and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon God; as if showing mercy were an imperfection of the Divine nature, which is the greatest glory of it. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd." And murmurers shall be made to understand, that how willing soever they are to keep the Divine grace to themselves and those of their own way, there is one Lord over all, who is rich in mercy to all that call upon him. “It 3 will not leave even a root or branch. Text. What should especially silence discontent, is, that when our gourd is gone, our God is not gone. 2 Then Jonah prayed to the L ord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,. God prepared a wind to make Jonah feel the want of the gourd. Do we wonder at the forbearance of God towards his perverse servant? 3 Then the word of the L ord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to l Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the L ord. He made a booth there and sat under it in the shade, until he should see what happened to the city. 9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? (1-4) He is taught by the withering of a gourd, that he did wrong. b all your waves and your billows. 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. It merely begins with an … One soul is of more value than the whole world; surely then one soul is of more value than many gourds: we should have more concern for our own and others' precious souls, than for the riches and enjoyments of this world. https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-minor-prophets/jonah Most of those statemen… In fact, now that God has been compassionate on Nineveh, Jonah would rather die. (F) 3 Now, Lord, take away my life,(G) for it is better for me to die(H) than to live.”(I), 4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”(J), 5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. Jonah 4:6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. 6 Then the Lord God provided(K) a leafy plant[a] and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant. Lessons--1. So angry, he says in Jonah 4:3 that it would be better for him to die. As with chapter 3, grace is a major theme in the Book of Jonah's final chapter. Jonah 4:1 Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and became angry. Jonah repines at God's mercy to Nineveh, and is reproved. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Can I justify it? Those who have fretful, uneasy spirits, often make troubles for themselves, that they may still have something to complain of. I knew(B) that you are a gracious(C) and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love,(D) a God who relents(E) from sending calamity. Jonah is identified as a prophet and servant of God during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (2 Kings 14:24-25)—between 792 and 753 B.C. The original text was written in … It is just that those who love to complain, should never be left without something to complain of. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.”, 10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. He is probably seen as a traitor in Israel, and God was now blessing the people that he saw as the scum of the earth. (Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible). So Jonah was angry with God. 8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to trust the Lord with his credit and safety. But it — The divine forbearance in sparing Nineveh; displeased Jonah exceedingly — “Seeing that what he had foretold against the Ninevites did not happen, he was afraid lest he should pass for a false prophet and a deceiver, his ministry be despised, and his person exposed to the violence of the Ninevites. Jonah’s name means “dove”; and his commission, as recorded in the book of Jonah, was to convey a message from God to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh.The book of Jonah gives no indication of his prophetic activity in the land of Israel. But Jonah was very annoyed. And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. Jonah 4:8, "[~'Elohiym]," the personal God, sends the worm. 10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. x “I called out to the L ord, out of my distress,. 6 ו 3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. The Lord controlled the elements of weather (Jon. NIV, Storyline Bible, Comfort Print: Each Story Plays a Part. Jonah 4:6 "And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made [it] to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. Jonah 4:6, "[~Yahweh] ['Elohiym]," the compound name of God found in the Book of Genesis. A thing small in itself, yet coming seasonably, may be a valuable blessing. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Sin and death are very dreadful, yet Jonah, in his heat, makes light of both. 4 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. See How They All Connect. into the heart of the seas,. See what our creature-comforts are, and what we may expect them to be; they are withering things. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. A small worm at the root destroys a large gourd: our gourds wither, and we know not what is the cause. Yet will I look again toward Thy holy temple. 8:15] made a booth for himself there. And the LORD said, “Is your anger rightly kindled in you?” 5. New International Version (NIV). Thepeople were very glad. 4 1 “For indeed the day 2 is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. (Jon 4:4; Jon 4:9) 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? Jonah acknowledged God’s sovereignty (verses 1-3), and submitted to it (verses 4-9). Perhaps creature-comforts are continued to us, but are made bitter; the creature is continued, but the comfort is gone. 10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 4:1-2. The Question of God (Jonah 4:4-8) Jonah 4:4. Jonah’s Anger at the Lord ’s Compassion. (1-4) He is taught by the withering of a gourd, that he did wrong. That was Jonah's crime. (5-11)1-4 What all the saints make matter of joy and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon God; as if showing mercy were an imperfection of the Divine nature, which is the greatest glory of it. He was not going to destroy their city and everybody in it. Jonah is one of the most ridiculed books by liberal scholars. 2 But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication 4 will rise with healing wings, 5 and you will skip about 6 like calves released from the stall. Verses 1-2 The anxious people of Nineveh waited for the 40 daysto end. Key Themes . The precise identification of this plant is uncertain; also in verses 7, 9 and 10. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. See how tender God is of his people in their afflictions, even though they are foolish and froward. Upgrade to Bible Gateway Plus, and access the, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Luke, Comfort Print, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Romans, Comfort Print, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story. loss of power], Accusations of a lack of authenticity, Concerns about changes that might affect personal comfort levels, or Divisions between the old and new members. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. Persons of strong passions are apt to be cast down with any trifle that crosses them, or to be lifted up with a trifle that pleases them. 6. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life.Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. Before a new church -- either a state of good and truth with a group of people, or a new state of good an truth in ourselves - can come into existence, a period of temptation, of struggle, must occur. And Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east of the city. He tried to stop it by fleeing (ch. He wanted to die,(M) and said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.”, 9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”(N), “It is,” he said. The least creatures may be great plagues, or great comforts, as God is pleased to make them. Jonah Resented God’s Compassion (4:2) It may seem strange that Jonah was unhappy that God wanted to forgive the Assyrians until we remember what an enemy Assyria was to Israel. Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Now Jonah had left the city and found a place east of the city. and he answered me;. Jonah Goes to Nineveh. Jonah thought that they deserved it. y out of the belly of Sheol I cried,. Jonah 4 English Standard Version Jonah’s Anger and the Lord’s Compassion 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, [1] and he was angry. When nothing happened, they knew that God had heard their prayers toforgive them. They were a vicious and violent people (as were most nations in those days). and the flood surrounded me;. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. According to one tradition, Jonah was the boy brought back to life by Elijah the prophet in 1 Kings 17. Jonah’s Prayer. This was the real reason why Jonah decided … That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. Unfortunately, he did not share those characteristics, preferring to see his enemies destroyed rather than experience redemption. When God called him the first time, Jonah suspected that God wastoo kind to punish Nineveh. Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. 1:4, 11, 13, 15; 4:8), and he prepared a sea-creature, a vine, and a worm to do his bidding (Jon. In Jonah 2:1-10, Jonah is trapped in the belly of the great fish.He prays for salvation, and in the end, after this terrible trial, he is vomited forth onto dry land. Jonah 4:5 Then Jonah left the city and sat down east of it, where He made himself a shelter and sat in … As Jonah waited for the destruction of Nineveh, God provided what to shade him. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the glory of God, and the advancement of his kingdom? When afflicting providences take away relations, possessions, and enjoyments, we must not be angry at God. 2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? Nevertheless, the real work of preparation happened in Jonah. ii. Why did God not punish thesecruel and evil people? But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. The second movement is (in verses 5-6) and the third movement is (in verses 7-9). 1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. 4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? (A) 2 He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? Jonah Goes to Nineveh. 2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Jonah understood some of the depth of God's grace and mercy. What would happen in the church if God moved in a mighty way? (1-4) He is taught by the withering of a gourd, that he did wrong. This book contains the prophecies attributed to the prophet Jonah, and is a part of the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets. The LORD prepared a wind (Jonah 4:8). (5-11) Commentary on Jonah 4:1-4 (Read Jonah 4:1-4) What all the saints make matter of joy and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon God; as if showing mercy were an imperfection of … 4 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. And he made himself a booth there and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would happen to the city. It is to his sparing, pardoning mercy, we all owe it that we are out of hell.