Jonah Part 04

In Jonah 3, we see that after chastening Jonah and bringing him to repentance, God gives him another opportunity to fulfill the mission he was originally assigned. In verses 1–2, Jonah is told to go to Nineveh and proclaim “the message that I tell you.” While this reflects the same basic warning given earlier—to “cry against it for their wickedness”—the wording here emphasizes that Jonah must now follow God’s instructions exactly. In verse 3, “Jonah arose and went,” something he had failed to do the first time! God often restores servants after failure when repentance occurs. Moses struck the rock, David sinned, Peter denied, Mark abandoned a journey, and after God corrected them, they were restored to service.   

Nineveh is described as an exceeding great city, even larger than Babylon according to some accounts, and possibly the largest city in the world at that time. Ancient sources suggest it may have been about 60 miles in circumference, taking three days to walk around, while others distinguish between an 8-mile city wall and a much larger administrative district. Jonah 4:11 mentions 120,000 people, which could refer either to children or to the total population, but in either case indicates a very large and significant city. 

In verse 4, Jonah begins to proclaim his message after traveling a day into the city, though it is unclear how far he went or how extensively he moved about. He likely spoke in a language the people could understand, perhaps Aramaic, which was widely used in the region (as reflected in Isaiah 36:11). His message is brief but powerful: 

“Yet 40 days, and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 

This is the only explicit prophecy recorded in the book. The warning itself may have implied the possibility of mercy—after all, if God intended immediate destruction, there would be no reason to send a warning or allow 40 days for change. 

Verse 5 records a remarkable response: 

“The people of Nineveh believed God.” 

The term used for God here reflects a more general understanding of the “Almighty God” or “Supreme God” rather than the covenant name known to Israel. Jonah did not introduce them to the name YHWH but proclaimed that the highest divine authority was about to judge them, and they responded in faith.  

Historically, the Ninevites worshipped idols such as Dagon, a figure sometimes depicted as part man and part fish. It is possible (though not stated) that Jonah’s experience with the great fish may have reinforced the credibility of his message. The people expressed their repentance outwardly by proclaiming a fast and putting on sackcloth, a common cultural practice to demonstrate humility and sorrow. 

In verse 6, even the king follows this example, humbling himself with fasting and sackcloth. Verse 7 notes that the decree came from both the king and extended even to animals, requiring them to fast and participate in outward signs of mourning, emphasizing the importance and totality of the national response. 

By verse 8, repentance becomes not just voluntary but mandated, and it includes a call for everyone to turn from evil and violence. This highlights that true repentance involves action, not just words. Jesus Christ later affirmed the sincerity of this repentance in Luke 11:32, stating that the men of Nineveh would rise in judgment because they repented at Jonah’s preaching. In verse 9, the people acknowledge uncertainty, saying “who can tell” if God will turn and relent. Unlike Israel, they had no specific promises of mercy. The term used for “repent” conveys the idea of changing one’s mind, yet Scripture also shows that God does not act impulsively or without cause (Numbers 23:19). 

God responded to “their works,” not merely their words. This reflects the principle later expressed by John the Baptist about producing “fruits worthy of repentance.” Because the people genuinely acknowledged their sin in humility and turned from their evil ways, God relented from the disaster He had planned.  However, this mercy was temporary for that generation, as later prophecies such as those in Nahum again foretell the destruction of Assyria without mention of repentance. Ninevah’s repentance delayed judgment for several generations.   

Jesus directly referenced Nineveh’s repentance. 

“The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” (Matthew 12:41) 

This statement contains several important truths: Jonah was historical, Nineveh genuinely repented, and greater revelation brings greater accountability. The people of Nineveh responded to a reluctant prophet with a brief warning. Many in Christ’s generation rejected the Son of God Himself despite overwhelming evidence.   

This story foreshadows the future worldwide opportunity for repentance and reconciliation under the Kingdom of God, when all nations will ultimately be taught God’s ways. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.