Jonahናሙና

When Did the Story of Jonah Take Place?

While we are not completely certain when the Book of Jonah was written, we do have an approximate timeline. Jonah made his unfortunate choice to disobey the Lord while Jeroboam II was king. King Jeroboam II reigned for 41 years, lasting from the 780s to the 750s or 740s B.C. Understanding the world at this time helps us to put context to the story of Jonah.

During the time period of Jonah’s story, the Ninevites were the nation of Israel’s enemy, violently oppressing them. Jonah believed that God would punish the Ninevites, due to their evil and sinful ways. But God did a remarkable thing: He told Jonah to preach repentance to the Ninevites—to Gentiles who were actively hurting God’s chosen people.

Think of an American Patriot being sent to London right in the middle of the American Revolution. Or Paul being sent to Rome to preach right in the heart of the city of oppression. This is what God was asking Jonah to do—walk right into the midst of his enemies.

Jonah was frightened and unhappy. And so he ran away—in the exact opposite direction that God had sent him. A terrifying storm blew in, caused directly by Jonah’s disobedience. The other people on the ship with Jonah asked whose god was causing the storm. Pagans at that time believed there were many gods, and gods were attached to a group of people. In Greece, the Olympic games were honoring Zeus. Rome was considered founded by Romulus, descendant of gods. Temperamental gods that caused chaos was expected. So the other travelers cast lots to decide whose god was angry—and Jonah’s disobedience was discovered.

Numbers 32:23 tells us: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” (NIV) Not Poseidon of Greek myth who pagans believed may have shaken the ship in anger. This verse speaks of the one true God, our Lord, from whom nothing is hidden. And, just like Jonah, we can be sure our sin will find us out. But the Lord, in His mercy, is a God who gives us second chances when we repent, even when we run in the opposite direction.