Jonah, 4

Commentary

In Jonah chapter 4, we see the prophet Jonah's reaction to God's mercy and compassion towards the people of Nineveh. After Jonah had preached to the people of Nineveh and they had repented of their sins, God had mercy on them and did not bring the destruction that Jonah had warned them of. Jonah was angry and frustrated that God had not kept his word and destroyed the city. In response to this, Jonah went out and made a shelter for himself to wait and see what would happen to Nineveh. He was hoping that God would still bring destruction upon the city. However, God had other plans. He sent a plant to grow and provide shade for Jonah, and then sent a worm to destroy the plant. This was a reminder to Jonah that God is in control and that his plans are not always the same as ours. God then asked Jonah a question, "Doest thou well to be angry?" This question was meant to remind Jonah that God is merciful and compassionate, and that his plans are not always the same as ours. Jonah's response was to ask God to take his life, as he was so frustrated and angry. This chapter serves as a reminder to us that God is in control and that his plans are not always the same as ours. We must remember to trust in God and his plans, even when we don't understand them. We must also remember to be thankful for God's mercy and compassion, and to not be angry when things don't go our way.

Meet the heroes of Jonah, 4