Jonah 1:1-2
What is written? (ESV)
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.
What does it say?
The word of God came to Jonah, son of Amittai, telling him to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach to them about their evil deeds that have risen up to heaven.
What is its immediate context?
Jonah was likely a contemporary of the prophets Hosea and Amos, or coming slightly before them during the long reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (northern tribes). He is somewhat unique among the prophets, being called by God to prophesy to the gentile city of Nineveh. Famously, Jonah attempts to flee his calling by God and gets swallowed by “a great fish” (1:17) which God had directed. He does go and preach and remarkably the city repents assuaging God’s judgment (3:10). Ironically, Nineveh is the eventual capital of Assyria who would take the nation of Israel into captivity.
How Jonah 1:1-2 is applied across Bible answers
Is God active among nations today?
God is aware of Nineveh's wickedness and tells Johan to go and preach to them.
