Jonah 1:1-4 – Jonah – How It’s Viewed By Many
We are using notes written by Dr. Andrew Quigley (Ottawa RPC). We’re going to begin a short study in one of the best-known books of the Bible, the book of Jonah. It will be short because the book is only 48 verses, comprising 4 chapters, and just a couple of pages in most Bibles. But what it concedes in length, it will more than make up for in dramatic content and resulting life lessons. One commentator writes, “with its unexpected twists and turns, the plot successfully retains our attention throughout.” Another says that “in the narrative, every phrase is vivid and graphic. There is not a word that does not advance the history. There is no reflection. All hasten on to the completion, and when God has given the key to the whole, the book closes with His words of exceeding tenderness lingering in our ears.” So, this will be an invigorating read and, hopefully, with the Lord’s help, a study that will bless the soul of everyone who engages with it.
It’s an account which has fascinated generations of children and adults, even though it has been much maligned and ridiculed. Since the second century, questions have been asked about whether it is historically true. In the eighteenth century, men like Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer, historian, philosopher, and ruthless critic of the gospel, scoffed at the contents of the book of Jonah. Such attacks have influenced many with the result that the predominant view among religious scholars in the past 150 years has been that this Biblical book’s content is nothing more than a simple allegory, a prophetic parable, a fictional satire.
There are two reasons why the historicity of Jonah has been questioned. The first, and one could say the most obvious stumbling block for those who want to see it as such, is the fact that Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days. The second issue that has led to unwarranted doubt is the distinctiveness of Jonah. Unlike other Old Testament books, Jonah speaks to a pagan nation from within that nation, whereas when the other prophets speak to the surrounding nations, they do so from within the borders of Israel. There is also the issue of how Jonah portrays himself. Other prophets share their emotions and thoughts at times, but with this book, Jonah presents himself as the principal focus of the book; it’s about him, and it’s almost as though he is the message as well as the messenger.
Questions
- How many verses and chapters are in the book of Jonah?
Prayer Points
- Pray for us as we begin this new study.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.