Immerse: Prophets - Flipbook - Page 452
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IMMERSE
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PROPHETS
yet God will change his mind and hold back his fierce anger from destroying us.” The people of Nineveh do repent, and the Lord does
indeed relent, his grace triumphing over judgment.
Jonah protests unhappily that his enemies are spared and that he saw
this coming all along. In the closing scene, Jonah struggles with God’s
mercy while God defends his greater interest in creating and preserving
life in the world.
The literary structure of Jonah shows that this short story has been built
with artistry and care. Its two main narrative parts are separated by a
psalm of thanksgiving, which is set right in the middle. Both narrative
sections begin with God commanding Jonah to “Go to the great city
of Nineveh” and deliver God’s message. The two parts of the story also
mirror each other through the repetition of key Hebrew terms at the
beginning, middle, and end.
Jonah’s experiences also seem to mirror the experiences of the nation of Israel. His leaving the land, being swallowed by a great fish, and
being deposited back on the land appear to symbolize Israel’s exile
and return. The challenge that Jonah faces—to accept that God might
have good purposes for Israel’s enemies—is also a challenge for the
returned exiles. Is Jonah the only one God wants to save from chaos
and destruction? Are psalms of thanksgiving for God’s great acts of
rescue only for Israel to sing?
Reading the book of Jonah at the end of all the prophetic books
helps prepare us for where Israel’s story is going. The Bible’s narrative is
moving toward the time when God’s larger vision to bring his salvation
to all the earth—including people, great cities, and even the animals—
will be realized in a new creation.
