Introduction

The Call of Jonah is a significant event in the Old Testament, illustrating themes of divine commission, human reluctance, and God's mercy. The narrative is primarily found in the Book of Jonah, a prophetic book that is unique in its focus on the prophet's personal experience rather than solely on his message. Jonah, son of Amittai, is called by God to deliver a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a nation known for its wickedness and enmity towards Israel.

Biblical Account

The account begins with God's command to Jonah: "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'" (Jonah 1:1-2). This divine directive is clear and urgent, emphasizing God's awareness of Nineveh's moral state and His desire for their repentance.

Jonah's Response

Contrary to the expected obedience of a prophet, Jonah's 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, a location believed to be in the opposite direction of Nineveh. "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish" (Jonah 1:3). This act of disobedience highlights Jonah's reluctance and fear, possibly due to the notorious reputation of the Assyrians or a desire to see them judged rather than forgiven.

Divine Intervention

God's response to Jonah's flight is immediate and powerful. He sends a great storm upon the sea, threatening the safety of the ship and its crew. The sailors, recognizing the supernatural nature of the storm, cast lots to determine the cause, and the lot falls on Jonah. Jonah confesses his attempt to flee from God and instructs the sailors to throw him overboard to calm the sea. Reluctantly, they comply, and the sea ceases its raging. "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm" (Jonah 1:15).

Jonah's Deliverance

In a remarkable act of divine provision, God appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah, preserving his life. Jonah spends three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, during which he prays to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing gratitude for his deliverance. "From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God" (Jonah 2:1). This period of reflection and repentance culminates in Jonah's deliverance as the fish vomits him onto dry land.

Renewed Commission

After his deliverance, the word of the Lord comes to Jonah a second time, reiterating the command to go to Nineveh. This time, Jonah obeys and delivers God's message: "On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!'" (Jonah 3:4). The people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, believe God, declare a fast, and put on sackcloth as a sign of repentance. Even the king of Nineveh humbles himself, decreeing a citywide fast and urging everyone to turn from their evil ways.

God's Mercy

The repentance of Nineveh leads to a remarkable display of God's mercy. "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them" (Jonah 3:10). This outcome underscores the central theme of the Book of Jonah: God's compassion and willingness to forgive those who repent, regardless of their past transgressions.

Conclusion

The Call of Jonah serves as a profound narrative on the nature of God's call, human agency, and divine mercy. It challenges believers to consider their own responses to God's commands and the breadth of His compassion for all people.