10 Interesting Facts About the Book of Jonah

The Book of Jonah is one of the shortest books in the Old Testament, but it is rich with lessons about God’s mercy, obedience, and compassion. Written about the prophet Jonah, son of Amittai, it tells the story of God’s call to preach to Nineveh and Jonah’s reluctant mission. This small book, only four chapters long, continues to challenge and inspire believers today.

1. Jonah Was a Real Historical Prophet

Jonah was not a fictional character. He is mentioned outside of the book that bears his name in 2 Kings 14:25, where he is described as a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II.

He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. (2 Kings 14:25)

2. God Sent Jonah to a Wicked City

God commanded Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a nation known for cruelty and violence.

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me. (Jonah 1:2)

3. Jonah Tried to Run Away from God

Instead of obeying, Jonah boarded a ship to Tarshish, the opposite direction from Nineveh, showing his reluctance to carry out God’s mission.

But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:3)

4. A Great Storm Was Sent by God

God caused a violent storm that threatened to sink the ship, revealing His control over nature.

But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. (Jonah 1:4)

5. Jonah Was Swallowed by a Great Fish

After being thrown overboard, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, where he stayed for three days and nights.

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)

6. Jonah’s Prayer Came from Inside the Fish

Jonah prayed a heartfelt prayer of repentance and thanksgiving while inside the fish.

I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me. (Jonah 2:2)

7. Nineveh Repented After Jonah’s Preaching

When Jonah finally went to Nineveh, the people, from the king to the commoners, repented of their sins.

And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. (Jonah 3:5)

8. God Showed Mercy to Nineveh

God’s compassion spared the city from destruction after their repentance.

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. (Jonah 3:10)

9. Jonah Was Angry About God’s Mercy

Jonah was upset that God forgave the Ninevites, revealing his struggle with understanding divine grace.

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. (Jonah 4:1)

10. The Book Ends with a Question from God

The story closes with God questioning Jonah’s lack of compassion, emphasizing His love for all people.

And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? (Jonah 4:11)

Summary Table of Key Facts