Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, Now the word of the LORD cameThis phrase indicates divine communication, a common introduction for prophetic books, signifying that the message originates from God. The "word of the LORD" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the message. It reflects the Hebrew concept of "dabar," which means both word and action, indicating that God's word is powerful and active. This phrase is similar to the introductions in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 1:2 and Ezekiel 1:3, establishing Jonah as a legitimate prophet. to Jonah son of Amittai saying, Persons / Places / Events 1. JonahA prophet of Israel, son of Amittai. His name means "dove" in Hebrew, which can symbolize peace or a messenger. Jonah is called by God to deliver a message to Nineveh, a task he initially resists. 2. Amittai Jonah's father. His name means "truth" or "faithfulness" in Hebrew, which may reflect the prophetic calling and the message of truth Jonah is to deliver. 3. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates directly with Jonah, demonstrating His sovereignty and personal involvement in the lives of His people. 4. Nineveh Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Nineveh is the destination God commands Jonah to go to. It is the capital of Assyria, known for its wickedness, and represents a place of great challenge for Jonah. 5. The Word of the LORD This phrase indicates divine revelation and authority. It is a common expression in the prophetic books, signifying that the message Jonah receives is not of human origin but from God Himself. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and InitiativeGod initiates the call to Jonah, demonstrating His sovereign will and purpose. We are reminded that God often calls us to tasks that align with His greater plan, even when they challenge our comfort zones. The Role of a Prophet Jonah's role as a prophet is to deliver God's message, regardless of personal feelings or fears. This teaches us about obedience and the responsibility of sharing God's truth with others. God's Pursuit of the Lost The call to go to Nineveh shows God's concern for all people, even those outside Israel. It challenges us to have a heart for missions and evangelism, reaching out to those who may seem far from God. Resistance to God's Call Jonah's initial resistance is a common human reaction to God's challenging calls. This encourages us to examine our own hearts and be willing to submit to God's direction, trusting in His wisdom and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jonah's initial call from God reveal about God's character and His relationship with His prophets?2. How does Jonah's account challenge us to respond to God's call in our own lives, especially when it involves stepping out of our comfort zones? 3. In what ways can we see parallels between Jonah's mission to Nineveh and the Great Commission given by Jesus in the New Testament? 4. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Nineveh enhance our comprehension of Jonah's reluctance and God's compassion? 5. Reflect on a time when you resisted a task or calling from God. What did you learn from that experience, and how can Jonah's account encourage you to trust and obey God more fully? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 14:25This verse provides historical context for Jonah, identifying him as a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II, which helps us understand the political and spiritual climate of his time. Matthew 12:39-41 Jesus references Jonah, drawing a parallel between Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish and His own resurrection, highlighting Jonah's account as a foreshadowing of Christ's death and resurrection. Psalm 139:7-10 These verses speak to God's omnipresence, which is relevant to Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence, reminding us that we cannot escape God's reach.
People Amittai, Jonah, TarshishPlaces Joppa, Mount Esau, Nineveh, TarshishTopics Amittai, Amit'tai, Jonah, SayingDictionary of Bible Themes Jonah 1:1 1428 prophecy, OT inspiration 6620 calling 1055 God, grace and mercy Library Guilty Silence and Its RewardNow the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2. Arise, go to Nineveh, that great, city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me. 3. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. 4. But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Christian Graces. Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful? The Careless Sinner Awakened. Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. Nature of Covenanting. Jonah Links Jonah 1:1 NIVJonah 1:1 NLT Jonah 1:1 ESV Jonah 1:1 NASB Jonah 1:1 KJV Jonah 1:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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