Version: King James Version (public domain)
Jonah
The prophet who ran away
Jonah runs from his mission to preach in Nineveh, is swallowed by a great fish and, when he finally preaches, is angry to see God forgive the enemy city.
Historical context
Unlike the other prophets, it is almost all narrative. Jesus refers to “the sign of Jonah” (Matthew 12). It is read on Yom Kippur.
Explanation
Best-known passages
- The flight and the great fish (ch. 1–2)
- Nineveh repents (ch. 3)
- The plant and God’s mercy (ch. 4)