Useful Bible Studies > Jonah Commentary > chapter 1
Nineveh was one of the first cities that Noah’s family established after the great flood (Genesis 10:11). So, by the time of Jonah, it was already a very ancient city. It was also a very great city, both in its size (3:3) and its importance. It was the capital of Assyria, one of the most powerful countries in the world.
God is the judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25); therefore, he always acts against wicked behaviour. However, it is in God’s character to show great kindness, therefore, he often delays the punishment (Exodus 34:6-7). He is patient with people and with nations (2 Peter 3:9), in order to give them opportunities to turn from their evil deeds (Ezekiel chapter 18).
As the time for the punishment becomes near, God may make special efforts to warn the people. So, he told Noah to warn the people before the flood (2 Peter 2:5). He arranged for Abraham to pray for Sodom’s people before fire from heaven destroyed their city (Genesis 18:16-33). He sent Daniel to warn King Belshazzar immediately before Belshazzar’s death (Daniel chapter 5).
In the same way, God wanted to send Jonah to Nineveh. God explained to Jonah that Nineveh’s people and its rulers had become especially wicked. The poor people who had suffered from its cruelty had appealed to God’s great court in heaven. Perhaps these evil deeds had continued for many centuries (compare Genesis 15:16) – but now, at last, God had decided to act. So, Jonah must go to Nineveh. He must warn its people, for the final time, that they must turn from their wicked behaviour. If they did not do that, God would act in judgment against them.
Next part: Jonah tries to sail to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2024, Keith Simons.