Jonah Part 05

 In Jonah chapter 4, the focus shifts to Jonah’s reaction, revealing a deeply flawed attitude despite his outward obedience. In verse 1, Jonah is described as “very angry,” which in Hebrew literally means “hot.” He may have been upset because Nineveh—an enemy and potential punisher of Israel—was spared, which to him could have seemed like a threat to his own people. Ironically, the opposite may have been true: the Assyrians had repented of violence, which could have brought a reprieve for Israel. As believers, this reaction stands in contrast to what is taught in Luke 15:10, which states, 

“there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” 

In verse 2, Jonah prays, showing that he had not stopped communicating with God, yet his attitude is clearly wrong. Having previously repented of disobedience, he now seems to justify his earlier attempt to flee. Jonah even reveals God’s own character as he quotes, “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,” echoing language found in Joel 2:13 and Exodus 34:6. It is clear that he understands God, yet he resents His mercy being extended to these people. 

By verse 3, Jonah goes so far as to ask God to take his life, something rarely seen among prophets. While 1 Kings 19:4 records Elijah expressing a similar desire in despair, Jonah’s request seems rooted more in anger and frustration. This marks the second time Jonah preferred death over continuing his assigned mission. In verse 4, God does not immediately rebuke him but instead asks a probing question, "Do you do well to be angry?” This gives Jonah space to reflect. Rather than correcting him directly, God allows events to unfold in a way that will teach the lesson more effectively. 

In verse 5, Jonah goes outside the city and makes a booth (similar to the temporary shelters used during the Feast of Tabernacles), apparently still hoping that Nineveh might yet be destroyed before the forty days expire. Then in verse 6, God “prepared” a plant to provide shade for Jonah. The specific plant is uncertain, though many suggest the fast-growing castor oil plant. Notably, this is the same language used when God “prepared” the great fish, indicating intentional design. Jonah is described as being very grateful for the plant.  Remarkably, this is the only place in the book where he is explicitly said to be happy, yet this happiness is over personal comfort rather than the repentance of an entire city. 

In verse 7, God “prepared a worm” to destroy the plant, and by verse 8, He “prepared…an east wind,” intensifying Jonah’s discomfort. These repeated acts show that nothing here is a coincidence; God is deliberately orchestrating events. The contrast is sharp: one day Jonah enjoys cool shade, and the next he suffers under a scorching wind. Once again, Jonah wishes to die, and this is now the third time he prefers death to his situation. In verse 9, God repeats His question about Jonah’s anger, and Jonah insists he is justified, even to the point of despair. 

At this point, in verses 10–11, God delivers the central lesson. Jonah had compassion on the plant, even though he did not labor for it, and it existed only briefly. In contrast, God points out His concern for Nineveh, 

“that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left.” 

This could mean that there are 120,000 children, or it could refer to a general lack of moral understanding. Unlike Jonah’s fleeting attachment to a plant, God’s concern is for human lives of people He created and knows intimately. This is shown in passages like Matthew 10:30 and 2 Peter 3:9, which emphasize His desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

The book ends abruptly, leaving Jonah’s final response unrecorded. This ending reinforces the main message: God is merciful and compassionate toward all nations, and His people should reflect that same heart. The unanswered question of whether Jonah learned the lesson allows the reader to come to their own conclusion. However, the real question is not what Jonah did next, but what we will do next in response to God’s mercy and calling. 

Jonah began the book running from God’s will. The book ends with God still patiently teaching His servant. 

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.