Ancient Insights Into 7 Familiar Bible StoriesSample

Jonah and the Whale: A Foreign Prophet Is Heard

The story of Jonah and the whale is very odd. God’s prophet rebels, is thrown off a ship, swallowed by a whale, vomited up, and then goes on to preach in Nineveh. In addition to the odd details in the story, it is amazing to think that the Ninevites (who were enemies of Israel) actually listened to Israel’s prophet. Ancient rulers placed a high value on the words of prophets (even if the prophet was from another kingdom).

In polytheistic societies, a king had to be open to the idea that other foreign gods might be trying to send him a message. Often, prophecies such as the one given by Jonah would have also been tested in some other way, such as looking for other omens or signs in the natural world. Whether or not the king of Nineveh sought additional confirmation of Jonah’s prophecy, he was willing to listen to Jonah.

As a result of his actions, the city repented and was spared. God was able to use an ancient cultural norm to have his prophet gain an audience with an enemy ruler and to save a city.

Application point:

Do you believe that God can use you to speak His message to others? Do you incorrectly assume that others simply won’t listen to what you have to say? God can work through the situations of others to make them ready to hear what He has to say through you.

Prayer:

God, thank you that you can work through the circumstances of people to prepare them to hear from you. Please help me to be willing and able to speak your truth to others, even if I may doubt their willingness to listen and respond. In Jesus’ name, Amen.