Jonah 4

4:1-7 The account takes an unexpected turn. Jonah, himself a recipient of God’s mercy, complains about the mercy that the Lord has dispensed to the Assyrians. The prophet’s insolence only magnifies God’s grace (see 4:8-11 for God’s response).4:1 This change of plans (literally It): See study note on 3:10.

4:2 Jonah expresses his motive in originally fleeing from the Lord (1:3): He knew that the Lord would not destroy the wicked Ninevites if they repented. • I knew: Jonah practically quotes Exod 34:6-7, a passage set in the context of Israel’s covenant relationship with the Lord. Even in the Old Testament, God was concerned to spread salvation to the nations (cp. Matt 28:18-20).

4:3-5 Jonah’s desire to die rather than embrace God’s will (see also 4:8-9), and his willingness to wait in hope that the city would be destroyed (4:5), are signs of his hard-heartedness and his hatred for the Assyrians.

4:4 The Lord’s reply is a rhetorical question. The implied answer is “No, of course not!” The object lesson that follows (4:6-11) reveals why Jonah ought not to be angry.

4:6 The Lord is God’s covenant name in relation to Israel (see, e.g., Ps 72:18). God did these things to show his covenant love toward Jonah and to those in Israel who had the same attitude. • arranged for: see study note on Jon 1:17.

4:11 people living in spiritual darkness: God graciously sent the light of his prophetic word into a wicked city. Not all who encounter God’s light respond favorably (cp. John 3:19-21), but God is eager to save those who receive his word in genuine repentance and faith. • The book closes abruptly, leaving the reader to ponder God’s final question to Jonah. God would rather save than destroy. Those who have received his mercy must be glad for that same mercy to be shown to others, even to their enemies.