The account of God sending a worm is found in the Book of Jonah, specifically in Jonah 4:7. This event occurs after the prophet Jonah has delivered God's message to the city of Nineveh, warning them of impending destruction due to their wickedness. The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, repent of their sins, and God shows mercy by sparing the city. Jonah, however, becomes displeased and angry with God's compassion towards Nineveh.

In Jonah 4:6, God provides a plant, often referred to as a "gourd" or "vine," to grow over Jonah's shelter, offering him shade and relief from the scorching sun. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So the LORD God appointed a plant, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant."

The following day, God appoints a worm to attack the plant, causing it to wither. Jonah 4:7 reads: "When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered."

This act of sending a worm serves as a divine object lesson for Jonah. The withering of the plant, which had provided Jonah with comfort, parallels the temporary nature of earthly comforts and highlights God's sovereign control over creation. The worm, a seemingly insignificant creature, is used by God to fulfill His purpose, demonstrating that God can use any part of His creation to accomplish His will.

Theologically, the sending of the worm underscores several key themes:

1. God's Sovereignty: The narrative illustrates God's absolute authority over nature. Just as He appointed the plant to grow, He also appointed the worm to destroy it. This reflects the biblical teaching that God is in control of all things, both great and small.

2. Human Discontent: Jonah's reaction to the withering plant reveals his misplaced priorities and lack of understanding of God's compassion. Jonah is more concerned with his own comfort than with the spiritual well-being of the Ninevites. The incident serves as a rebuke to Jonah's self-centeredness and a reminder of the importance of aligning one's heart with God's purposes.

3. Divine Compassion: The broader context of the account highlights God's mercy and compassion, not only towards the repentant Ninevites but also towards Jonah. By sending the worm, God teaches Jonah a lesson about His concern for all of His creation, including the people of Nineveh.

4. The Transience of Earthly Comforts: The plant's rapid growth and subsequent destruction symbolize the fleeting nature of worldly comforts. This serves as a reminder to place trust and hope in God rather than in temporary, earthly things.

The account of God sending a worm is a powerful reminder of God's providence and the importance of aligning one's heart with His will. It challenges believers to reflect on their own attitudes towards God's mercy and to recognize the transient nature of earthly comforts in light of eternal truths.