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Portrait of JonahPortrait · Jonah

Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Jonah

Reluctant Prophet Who Learned Mercy

Name meaning
Dove
Name origin
Hebrew: יוֹנָה (Yonah), meaning "dove"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Prophet
Birthplace
Gath-hepher (in Zebulun)
Modern-day location
Near modern Mashhad in the Lower Galilee of northern Israel; this is the traditional identification.
Family
  • Son of Amittai
First mention
2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1
Last mention
Jonah 4:11; Matthew 12:39-41
Key artifacts
  • Great fish
  • Castor plant (gourd)
  • Sackcloth of Nineveh

Key verses

  • “I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me.”

    Jonah 2:2

  • “Salvation is of the LORD.”

    Jonah 2:9

  • “thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.”

    Jonah 4:2

Biography

Early Life

Jonah son of Amittai prophesied during Jeroboam II's reign before being sent to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Defining Biblical Moments

Jonah fled by ship, was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, prayed from its belly, then obeyed and preached in Nineveh where the city repented. Angered by God's mercy, he sat outside the city and learned from a withering plant about compassion.

Strengths

Jonah ultimately obeyed and delivered the message, and his prayer shows capacity for repentance and thanksgiving.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His flight, prejudice against Nineveh, and anger at mercy reveal how nationalism and self-righteousness can resist God's broader compassion.

Life Lessons for Today

God's mercy extends beyond expected boundaries; obedience may require confronting our own biases and learning to rejoice in others' restoration.

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Jonah appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #35 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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