Jonah is back in character. If it took 3 days to cross Nineveh then the thing to do was walk for a day and a half into the city, arrive at noon and prophesy to the lunch time crowds in the city center. Instead, I may imagine too much, but from the description I imagine Jonah uttering one sentence of prophecy from the shadows and ducking down the nearest alley. The good news was even so sorry an attempt as that moved people to repent.
In response to Sarah's post.
There are several instances in the bible were God has changed His mind or been convinced to change His mind.
Shortening our lifespans so as not to have to contend with us for so long. (Can't really argue with that one myself)
Abraham arguing to spare the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah and several times in the Old Testament the Hebrews took our God to the limit of his limitless patience.
In Isa. 1:18 God actually invites us to, "come and reason together..."
He is truly an amazing God. A terrible and awesome God who is also the God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...
I don't know if the translation is correct in the use of the word "repent" I rather prefer "relent" I think it's more likely a correct translation but that's just opinion.
God repenting does not mean that He asked for forgiveness, for how could He do so since He is the Ultimate forgiver. This scripture simply means that He changed his mind regarding the destruction of Nineveh, due to their obedience. How wonderful to know that we as Christians through obedience, can change the mind of God!
When I was reading a book and read this verse it said if God would "repent", I was shocked to read this and I even asked some friends about the bookn and we agreed it was not a true Christian book, God doesnt need to repent, He is Almighty God, then I returned home and was ready to email the book's author but decided to look this verse up and it does say in several translations that ig God would repent of His anger, I'm a bit puzzled? god may change His mind but repent?? any thoughts?
Our God is in the business of winning souls. Jesus came to save sinners, and as sinful as one may be, come to the LORD today and be saved. Today is your second chance take a step to walk with God.
God\'s mercy is now, after now no more. Today is the day of salvation for you. As Jonah had second chance it might not be so on your side. Grace and Mercy of God differ. Any spirit that tells you that Christ is not coming to judge the world, rebuke such spirit, because it is not of God Almighty. Take Jonah example and use your tongue and count your teeth. The day of judgement is coming it is at the door of your heart. Repent and be saved.
God is merciful and HE don't want any to be perish,but only sons and daughters of perdition will perish,because they refused to repent from their sinful nature when Almighty God send evangelists to preach unto them,.Almighty God help me,so that sin will continue in me(AMEN)
Jonah again receives his commandment from God to go and preach to the Ninevites, knowing that if they repent so will God.
Jonah goes and preaches to the Ninevites, but not quite the way God wanted it, but nonetheless the word was delivered, and Jonah lookng like trash, and stinking like fish gets their attention and they knowing God's wrath repented and put on rough sticky scratchy sackcloth, wept, mourned, and fasted.
Sackcloth when its on you hurts, so noone will hug you when you are mourning, as it scratches you, and ashes are filthy and a sign of sorrow, which every Ninevite from the king down to the animals put on to show utter repentence.
Ofcourse God seeing this penetant behavior, also repented, changed his mind, and decided not to overthrow the city.
On another note, some scholars believe that it took 3 days to reach the city of Nineveh, from it's outskirts.
Just because you hear that it is over does not mean thats it.This is a Good example of God Mercy and Grace because the people had a heart to change God loves his people.
The episode about Jonah swallowed up big a big fish could be a wide spread news in the regions of Tarshih and Nineveh.
Probably, people already recognized Jonah when Jonah to minister to the Nineveh. He was swallowed and then brought back to life again and ministering to the Ninevah.
There are several instances in the bible were God has changed His mind or been convinced to change His mind.
Shortening our lifespans so as not to have to contend with us for so long. (Can't really argue with that one myself)
Abraham arguing to spare the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah and several times in the Old Testament the Hebrews took our God to the limit of his limitless patience.
In Isa. 1:18 God actually invites us to, "come and reason together..."
He is truly an amazing God. A terrible and awesome God who is also the God who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...
I don't know if the translation is correct in the use of the word "repent" I rather prefer "relent" I think it's more likely a correct translation but that's just opinion.
Jonah goes and preaches to the Ninevites, but not quite the way God wanted it, but nonetheless the word was delivered, and Jonah lookng like trash, and stinking like fish gets their attention and they knowing God's wrath repented and put on rough sticky scratchy sackcloth, wept, mourned, and fasted.
Sackcloth when its on you hurts, so noone will hug you when you are mourning, as it scratches you, and ashes are filthy and a sign of sorrow, which every Ninevite from the king down to the animals put on to show utter repentence.
Ofcourse God seeing this penetant behavior, also repented, changed his mind, and decided not to overthrow the city.
On another note, some scholars believe that it took 3 days to reach the city of Nineveh, from it's outskirts.
Probably, people already recognized Jonah when Jonah to minister to the Nineveh. He was swallowed and then brought back to life again and ministering to the Ninevah.
People has seen the miracle and believe in God.