Jonah 4:1-9 ▼

1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious.

2 He prayed to the LORD : “ Please, LORD , isn’t this what I said while I was still in my own country ? That’s why I fled toward Tarshish in the first place. I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to become angry, rich in faithful love, and One who relents from sending disaster.

3 And now, LORD , please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

4 The LORD asked, “ Is it right for you to be angry ? ”

5 Jonah left the city and sat down east of it . He made himself a shelter there and sat in its shade to see what would happen to the city.

6 Then the LORD God appointed a plant, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort. Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant.

7 When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, and it withered.

8 As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind. The sun beat down so much on Jonah’s head that he almost fainted, and he wanted to die. He said, “ It’s better for me to die than to live.”

9 Then God asked Jonah, “ Is it right for you to be angry about the plant ? ”“ Yes,” he replied. “ It is right. I’m angry enough to die! ”