Author

Jonah

Written

~780–750 BC

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

4

Key Theme

God's compassion extends to all nations — even Israel's enemies.

Written For

The people of Israel

Introduction of Jonah

Jonah is named after the reluctant prophet who tried to run from God’s call. Set in the 8th century BC during the reign of Jeroboam II, the book tells the dramatic story of Jonah son of Amittai. Commissioned to warn the brutal Assyrian city of Nineveh, Jonah instead flees by ship, only to be swallowed by a great fish. What follows is one of the Bible’s most famous and surprising tales of disobedience, second chances, and divine compassion. The book’s humor, drama, and unsettling final question continue to challenge readers about the scope of God’s mercy.