Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jonah, found in the Old Testament book bearing his name, serves as a profound typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. Jonah, a prophet of Israel, is called by God to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. His initial reluctance and subsequent experiences provide rich symbolism that points to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.1. Jonah's Commission and Jesus' Mission Jonah is commissioned by God to deliver a message of repentance to Nineveh, a Gentile city. This prefigures Christ's mission to bring salvation not only to Israel but to all nations. Jonah 1:1-2 states, "The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 'Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.'" Similarly, Jesus is sent by the Father to call sinners to repentance, as seen in Luke 5:32 : "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." 2. Jonah's Descent and Jesus' Death Jonah's descent into the belly of the great fish is a vivid type of Christ's death and burial. Jonah 1:17 records, "Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish." This event is directly referenced by Jesus in Matthew 12:40 : "For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Jonah's entombment in the fish symbolizes Christ's burial in the tomb. 3. Jonah's Deliverance and Jesus' Resurrection Jonah's deliverance from the fish after three days prefigures the resurrection of Christ. Jonah 2:10 states, "And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." This miraculous deliverance is a type of Christ's resurrection, as He rose from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death. The resurrection is central to the Christian faith, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:4 : "He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 4. Jonah's Preaching and Jesus' Proclamation After his deliverance, Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches repentance, leading to the city's salvation. Jonah 3:4-5 recounts, "On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!' And the people of Nineveh believed God." This typifies Christ's proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to repentance, as seen in Mark 1:15 : "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." 5. Jonah's Reluctance and Jesus' Willingness While Jonah initially flees from God's command, Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will, even unto death. Jonah's reluctance contrasts with Christ's obedience, highlighting the perfect submission of Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays in Luke 22:42 , "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done." This obedience is essential to His role as the Saviour. 6. Jonah's Anger and Jesus' Compassion Jonah's anger at God's mercy towards Nineveh contrasts with Jesus' compassion for sinners. Jonah 4:1-2 reveals, "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, 'O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country?'" In contrast, Jesus demonstrates compassion and love, as seen in Matthew 9:36 : "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Through these typological elements, Jonah serves as a significant foreshadowing of the Saviour, illustrating key aspects of Christ's redemptive work. Nave's Topical Index Jonah 1:17Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 12:40 Library Objection that Some were Baptized unto Moses and Believed in Him ... Christian Cemeteries. The Exodus The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... Prophecies Fulfilled. Prophecies Fulfilled The Law, and the Prophecy. Against Heresies Index of Subjects. The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Resources What are the different types of angels? | GotQuestions.orgAre there different types of demons? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |
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