The prophecy of Jonah's commission to prophesy against Nineveh is a significant narrative found in the Book of Jonah, one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. This account highlights themes of divine mercy, repentance, and the sovereignty of God over nations and individuals.

Background and Context

Jonah, the son of Amittai, is introduced as a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel (2 Kings 14:25). The historical context places Jonah in the 8th century BC, a time when the Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh as its capital, was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. Nineveh was known for its wickedness and brutality, making it a fitting target for divine judgment.

The Commission

The narrative begins with the word of the LORD coming to Jonah, commanding him to go to Nineveh and proclaim judgment against it. The Berean Standard Bible records this divine commission: "The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, 'Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.'" (Jonah 1:1-2).

This command underscores God's awareness of human sin and His willingness to confront it. Nineveh's "wickedness" had reached a point where divine intervention was necessary, and Jonah was chosen as the instrument of this message.

Jonah's Initial Response

Contrary to the expected obedience of a prophet, Jonah's initial response is one of defiance. Instead of heading to Nineveh, Jonah attempts to flee from the presence of the LORD by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). This act of disobedience highlights the tension between human will and divine command, as well as Jonah's reluctance to see Nineveh spared from judgment.

Divine Intervention and Jonah's Reluctant Obedience

God's sovereignty is further demonstrated as He sends a great storm upon the sea, threatening the ship Jonah is aboard. The sailors, recognizing the supernatural nature of the storm, eventually cast lots to identify Jonah as the cause. Jonah acknowledges his flight from God and suggests being thrown into the sea to calm the storm (Jonah 1:4-12).

After being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah spends three days and nights in its belly, during which he prays to God, expressing repentance and submission (Jonah 2:1-9). The LORD commands the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land, giving him a second chance to fulfill his prophetic mission (Jonah 2:10).

Proclamation and Nineveh's Repentance

The word of the LORD comes to Jonah a second time, reiterating the command to go to Nineveh. This time, Jonah obeys and enters the city, proclaiming, "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!" (Jonah 3:4). The brevity of the message underscores the urgency and severity of the impending judgment.

Remarkably, the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, believe God and declare a fast, donning sackcloth as a sign of repentance. Even the king of Nineveh rises from his throne, covers himself with sackcloth, and issues a decree for all to turn from their evil ways and violence, hoping for divine mercy (Jonah 3:5-9).

God's Mercy and Jonah's Reaction

In response to Nineveh's repentance, God relents from the disaster He had threatened, demonstrating His compassion and willingness to forgive (Jonah 3:10). This outcome displeases Jonah, who reveals his understanding of God's merciful nature as the reason for his initial flight: "I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster." (Jonah 4:2).

The narrative concludes with God teaching Jonah a lesson on compassion through the growth and withering of a plant, emphasizing the value of human life and God's concern for all His creation, including the inhabitants of Nineveh (Jonah 4:6-11).

Theological Significance

The prophecy of Jonah's commission to Nineveh serves as a profound illustration of God's justice and mercy. It challenges the reader to consider the breadth of God's compassion, extending even to those perceived as enemies. Jonah's account also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's call and the transformative power of repentance.