Book of Jonah Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Jonah is the son of ________.

Amittai

How many chapters is Jonah?

Where did God tell Jonah to go?

Nineveh (capital of Assyria)

Why did Jonah not want to prophesy to Nineveh?

He knew that God is a compassionate God, and the people of Nineveh might repent and be saved. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Assyrians.

The northern Israelites were bitter towards the Assyrians due to their frequent invasions. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the story of Jonah?

Every pagan described, including the King of Assyria, were humble and repentant, whilst Jonah constantly sinned. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Book of Jonah unique among the prophetic books?

Jonah is about the prophet himself, unlike other books which are collections of God's words. Signup and view all the answers

Other than the Book of Jonah, where did Jonah appear in the Bible?

In the reign of Jeroboam II, where he claims God favors him. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the two groups of pagans that Jonah encounters?

The Pagan Sailors and the Ninevites. Signup and view all the answers

What animal of the Ninevites repented to God?

The cows. Signup and view all the answers

What direction was Nineveh?

East Signup and view all the answers

What port does Jonah go to?

(the port of) Joppa Signup and view all the answers

Where does Jonah try to go instead?

To Tarshish. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jonah do when he gets on the ship?

He falls asleep. Signup and view all the answers

What does God send to Jonah to wake him up?

A storm. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Pagan Sailors discover Jonah's God was the one who sent the storm?

By casting lots/throwing dice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jonah have the Pagan Sailors do to stop the storm?

He has them throw him overboard. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Pagan Sailors do after the storm subsides?

They repent and worship God, unlike Jonah. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Jonah is thrown overboard?

He is swallowed by a large fish. Signup and view all the answers

What happens inside the belly of the fish?

Jonah thanks God for not abandoning him. Signup and view all the answers

How long was Jonah in the belly of the large fish?

3 days, 3 nights. Signup and view all the answers

What is God's response to Jonah's first prayer?

The fish vomits Jonah onto dry land. Signup and view all the answers

How is Nineveh described?

Giant city, it would take 3 days to walk through. Signup and view all the answers

After a day of walking, what does Jonah say to the Ninevites?

A very short sermon: 'Forty more days and Nineveh shall be overturned!' Signup and view all the answers

What is odd about Jonah's sermon?

There's no mention of Nineveh's sin or God. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jonah keep his sermon at the bare minimum?

It can be inferred that Jonah is sabotaging his own prophecy. Signup and view all the answers

As soon as Jonah utters his prophecy, what are the Ninevites' reactions?

The entire city, including the King and the cows, repents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the special significance of the last word from Jonah's sermon, 'overturned'?

It has two definitions: overthrown and transformed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the final chapter?

Jonah becomes angry with God for showing mercy to Nineveh. Signup and view all the answers

How many times does Jonah ask to be killed?

What do some people interpret The Book of Jonah as?

An allegory for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What are some lessons that can be learned from Jonah?

Obedience to God Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the plant in chapter 4 of Jonah?

It serves as a metaphor for Jonah's lack of compassion. Signup and view all the answers

Give a brief description of the chapter format of Jonah.

Chapter 1: Jonah and the Sailors, Chapter 2: Jonah's First Prayer Of Obedience, Chapter 3: Jonah and the Ninevites, Chapter 4: Jonah's 2nd Prayer of Anger. Signup and view all the answers

After God asks Jonah if he shouldn't feel compassionate for Nineveh, what is Jonah's response?

Jonah doesn't respond; the book ends with God's words. Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinct narrative style of the Book of Jonah?

Satire; it's filled with strange concepts and contrasts. Signup and view all the answers

Which team is going to win the 2023 Jonah and Mica Bible Quiz?

Faith Warriors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the Book of Jonah

Jonah is the son of Amittai.
The book consists of 4 chapters.
God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.
Jonah resisted the call because he feared that Nineveh might repent and be spared due to God's compassion.

Historical Context

The northern Israelites harbored bitterness against the Assyrians due to their invasions, resulting in loss of life, property, and freedom along with forced exile.
Jonah's story highlights the stark contrast in attitudes, as pagans demonstrate humility and repentance while Jonah, a prophet, struggles with obedience.

Unique Aspects of Jonah

Unlike other prophetic books, Jonah focuses on the prophet's narrative rather than divine messages delivered through him.
Jonah appears in the reign of Jeroboam II and predicts God’s favor towards him, contrasting with the dire warnings from other prophets.

Jonah's Journey and Actions

Jonah boards a ship at the port of Joppa, trying to escape to Tarshish, which is west of Nineveh.
A storm sent by God prompts the pagan sailors to discover Jonah's disobedience through casting lots.
Jonah suggests being thrown overboard to calm the storm, which leads to the sailors worshiping God once the storm subsides.

Events Inside the Fish

After being thrown into the sea, Jonah is swallowed by a large fish and remains there for 3 days and 3 nights.
Inside the fish, Jonah expresses gratitude to God but does not fully repent, instead vowing to obey.

The Prophecy to Nineveh

Upon his release, Jonah reluctantly preaches to Nineveh, delivering a remarkably short sermon without mentioning God or their sins.
The Ninevites, including the king and livestock, respond with immediate repentance.

Significance of the Message

The last word of Jonah's sermon, "overturned," carries dual meanings: destruction or transformation, showcasing God's ability to change destinies based on repentance.
Jonah's anger at God's mercy towards Nineveh emphasizes the themes of human resentment versus divine compassion.

Lessons from Jonah

Key lessons include:
- Importance of obedience to God's will.
- Power of repentance.
- Understanding God's mercy.
- Need for compassion towards others, including enemies.
- Trust in God's plans and purposes.

Final Chapter Reflections

In chapter 4, Jonah expresses anger at God for sparing Nineveh, leading to a lesson about compassion through the metaphor of a plant that provides Jonah shade but withers away.
Jonah's lack of response to God's questions highlights themes of introspection and the challenge of accepting divine mercy for others.

Narrative Style

The Book of Jonah employs satire, presenting fantastical situations contrasting with Jonah's disobedient behavior and the positive nature of the pagan characters, underscoring the unexpected humility and repentance of the Ninevites.

Quiz Team Reference

The Faith Warriors team is noted as participating in a 2023 trivia challenge related to Jonah and Micah, suggesting engagement with the text beyond traditional study.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Book of Jonah with these engaging flashcards. Each card challenges you on key aspects of the story, including Jonah's mission, his resistance, and the significance of Nineveh. Perfect for students or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this biblical narrative.