Background and Context:
Jonah, a prophet of the Lord, is a central figure in the Book of Jonah, one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. The narrative of Jonah is unique among the prophetic books, as it focuses more on the prophet's personal journey and experiences rather than solely on his prophecies. Jonah's account is set during the reign of Jeroboam II (circa 786–746 BC) in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The book highlights themes of divine mercy, repentance, and obedience.

The First Commission and Jonah's Flight:
Initially, Jonah receives a divine command to go to Nineveh, a great city and the capital of Assyria, and to call out against it because of its wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah attempts to flee from the presence of the Lord by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. This act of disobedience leads to a series of events, including a great storm, Jonah being thrown overboard, and his subsequent swallowing by a great fish, where he remains for three days and three nights.

Jonah's Second Commission (Jonah 3:1-3):
After Jonah's deliverance from the belly of the fish, the word of the Lord comes to him a second time. This second commission is a reiteration of the initial command, underscoring God's unwavering purpose and the opportunity for Jonah to fulfill his prophetic duty. The Berean Standard Bible records this moment as follows:

"Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 'Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.' So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey to cross."

Significance of the Second Commission:
The second commission highlights several key theological and moral lessons:

1. Divine Patience and Mercy: God's willingness to give Jonah a second chance reflects His patience and mercy, not only towards Jonah but also towards the people of Nineveh. This aspect of God's character is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing His desire for repentance and redemption rather than judgment and destruction.

2. Human Responsibility and Obedience: Jonah's initial reluctance and subsequent compliance illustrate the tension between human will and divine command. The second commission serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's will, even when it challenges personal prejudices or fears.

3. Universal Scope of God's Concern: By sending Jonah to Nineveh, a Gentile city known for its wickedness, God demonstrates His concern for all nations and peoples, not just Israel. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the Gospel's reach to all corners of the earth.

4. Repentance and Transformation: Jonah's eventual obedience leads to the repentance of the Ninevites, showcasing the transformative power of God's word when delivered faithfully. The narrative underscores the potential for change and redemption, even among those deemed most unlikely.

Jonah's Journey to Nineveh:
Upon receiving the second commission, Jonah travels to Nineveh, a journey that underscores his renewed commitment to God's command. The description of Nineveh as an "exceedingly great city" emphasizes both its size and its significance in the ancient world. Jonah's willingness to undertake this mission marks a pivotal moment in his prophetic career, setting the stage for the remarkable events that follow in Nineveh.

Conclusion:
Jonah's second commission is a profound moment in biblical history, rich with lessons about God's character, human responsibility, and the power of repentance. It serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of obedience to divine will and the boundless reach of God's mercy.