Jonah 1:2

"Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me."

Study Bible

Arise
The Hebrew word for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which conveys a sense of urgency and action. In the context of Jonah, this command from God is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative. It calls Jonah to immediate obedience, highlighting the urgency of God's mission. The word "arise" is often used in the Old Testament to signify a call to action, a transition from a state of rest or inactivity to one of purpose and movement. This reflects the nature of God's call to His people, which often requires leaving comfort zones to fulfill His will.

go to Nineveh
The phrase "go to Nineveh" is significant both geographically and historically. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great size and influence, as well as its wickedness. The Hebrew word for "go" is "לֵךְ" (lekh), which implies a journey or pilgrimage. This command to go to Nineveh is a call to cross cultural and national boundaries, emphasizing God's concern for all nations, not just Israel. Nineveh's historical context as a powerful and often oppressive city underscores the radical nature of God's mercy and the breadth of His compassion.

that great city
The description of Nineveh as "that great city" underscores its prominence and significance. The Hebrew word "גָּדוֹל" (gadol) means "great" or "large," indicating not only the city's physical size but also its importance and influence. In the ancient world, Nineveh was a symbol of human achievement and power, yet it was also a place of moral and spiritual decay. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between human greatness and divine judgment, setting the stage for God's message of repentance and redemption.

and cry out against it
The command to "cry out against it" uses the Hebrew word "קָרָא" (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or announce. This is a prophetic action, where Jonah is to deliver God's message of impending judgment. The phrase suggests a public declaration, one that is bold and unambiguous. It reflects the role of a prophet as a mouthpiece for God, tasked with delivering messages that are often unpopular or challenging. This call to cry out against Nineveh emphasizes the seriousness of their sin and the necessity of repentance.

for their wickedness
The term "wickedness" is translated from the Hebrew word "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which denotes evil, wrongdoing, or moral corruption. Nineveh's wickedness is the reason for God's impending judgment, highlighting the city's need for repentance. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are contrary to God's will and character. The mention of Nineveh's wickedness serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for divine intervention.

has come up before Me
The phrase "has come up before Me" indicates that Nineveh's sins have reached a point where God can no longer overlook them. The Hebrew word "עָלָה" (alah) means to ascend or rise, suggesting that the magnitude of Nineveh's wickedness has reached the heavens. This imagery conveys the idea that God is aware of human actions and that there is a point at which divine patience gives way to judgment. It underscores the omniscience of God and His active involvement in the affairs of nations, reminding us that no sin is hidden from His sight.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonah
A prophet of God, son of Amittai, called to deliver God's message to Nineveh. His initial reluctance and subsequent journey form the central account of the Book of Jonah.

2. Nineveh
A major city in the Assyrian Empire, known for its size and wickedness. It was a significant center of power and culture, often seen as a symbol of human pride and sinfulness.

3. God's Command
The directive given to Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. This command highlights God's concern for all nations and His desire for repentance.

Teaching Points

God's Universal Concern
God's command to Jonah to go to Nineveh demonstrates His concern for all people, not just Israel. This challenges us to broaden our perspective and care for those outside our immediate community.

The Call to Obedience
Jonah's initial reluctance serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it leads us to uncomfortable or challenging situations.

Repentance and Mercy
The account of Nineveh's eventual repentance (later in the book) underscores the power of repentance and God's readiness to show mercy. It encourages us to seek God's forgiveness and extend His message of grace to others.

The Consequences of Sin
Nineveh's wickedness had reached a point where God could no longer ignore it. This serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the need for timely repentance.

God's Sovereignty
God's command to Jonah and His dealings with Nineveh highlight His sovereignty over nations and history, reminding us to trust in His ultimate plan and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jonah's initial reaction to God's command reveal about human nature and our response to God's call?

2. How does the account of Nineveh challenge our understanding of God's mercy and justice?

3. In what ways can we identify "Ninevehs" in our own lives—places or people we are reluctant to engage with—and how can we overcome this reluctance?

4. How does the theme of repentance in Jonah 1:2 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to do something difficult. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Jonah's account to apply in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18-19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where God also responds to the outcry against a city's wickedness, showing His justice and mercy.

Matthew 12:41
Jesus references Jonah's preaching to Nineveh, highlighting the city's repentance and contrasting it with the unrepentant generation of His time.

Nahum 1-3
The prophecy against Nineveh, which later faced destruction due to its return to wickedness, illustrating the consequences of failing to maintain repentance.