DISCOVER JONAH...36774 DYB Jonah SG_text.indd 5 8/16/17 11:32 AM SAMPLE. 6 Introduction The story of Jonah and the great fish is one of the best known stories of the Bible. It is a

D I S C O V E R

JONAHSlow to Anger and Abounding in LoveSAMPLE

discover

Jonah

Study Guide

36774 DYB Jonah SG_text.indd 1 8/16/17 11:32 AM

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We thank the team of writers who contributed to this revised study: Brent and Diane Averill, Deibi Lapian, Kathy Evenhouse, Sam Huizenga, and Betty Wieland. We also thank Deb Fenne-ma, who wrote the first version of this study in 1994. In addition, we thank Sarah Schreiber, associate professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, for contributions made in a theological review of the content.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Discover Your Bible series. Discover Jonah (Study Guide), © 2017 by Faith Alive Christian Resources, 1700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508-1407. All rights reserved. With the exception of brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.

We welcome your comments. Call us at 1-800-333-8300 or e-mail us at [email protected].

ISBN 978-1-59255-483-6

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ContentsHow to Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Historical Snapshot for Studying Jonah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lesson 1

Jonah Flees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Lesson 2

Jonah Repents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Lesson 3

God Relents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Lesson 4

Jonah Resents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

An Invitation and Prayer of Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Evaluation Questionnaire


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How to StudyThe questions in this study booklet will help you “do it yourself” and discover together what the Bible says.

Questions are the key to Bible discovery. Through questions you search for the writers’ thoughts and ideas. The questions in this study guide are designed to help you in your quest for answers. You can and should ask your own questions too. The Bible comes alive with meaning for many people as they uncover the exciting truths it contains. Our hope and prayer is that this guide will help the Bible come alive for you.

The questions in this study are designed to be used with the New Inter-national Version of the Bible, but other translations can also be used.

Step 1.

Read through each Bible passage several times. Allow the ideas to sink in. Think about the meaning of the passage.

Step 2.

Answer the questions in the “What does it say?” section of the study guide lesson, drawing your answers from each passage. Write answers in your own words. If you use Bible study aids such as commentaries, Bible handbooks, or Internet sites, do so only after completing your own personal study. Answering the questions before the group meets enables you to remember what you have discovered and to prepare for the group conversation.


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Step 3.

Fill in the “Conversation” boxes with your questions and thoughts. Include questions that you would like to discuss with the group, topics that you would like to learn more about, and ideas from the passage that have made an impact on you. For example, in the “Conversation” boxes, you might include answers to questions like these:

• What is this passage saying to me?

• How does it challenge me? Comfort me?

• Is there a promise I can claim?

• For what can I give thanks?

Step 4.

Have fun talking with others about what you have discovered!

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.


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IntroductionThe story of Jonah and the great fish is one of the best known stories of the Bible. It is a particular favorite of children. The idea of a person sur-viving after being swallowed by a great fish captures our imaginations. Many explanations have been written about this miracle and whether it actually happened. Some commentators say the book of Jonah is a par-able or perhaps an allegory and does not need to be taken literally. Other scholars cite Jesus’ references to Jonah in Matthew 12:39-42 and Luke 11:29-32 as proof that the events happened as described. In this study we will approach the story as factual.

Jonah is a prophet of the Lord God of Israel. Most biblical scholars see him as the same prophet mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25. In that passage, as in Jonah 1:1, Jonah is identified as the son of Amittai, and we are told that he lived during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (northern king-dom—see Historical Snapshot for Studying Jonah).

In four short chapters Jonah’s story unfolds, and in this study we will discover that Jonah’s encounter with a huge fish is not even the most important part of the story. Instead, as in all Bible narratives, the main purpose of this story is to show us who God is and his love for humanity. As we study this book, we will consider questions like Why would God go to great lengths to get Jonah’s attention? and What is the message God wanted Jonah to bring to Israel’s most powerful enemy?

What you learn about Jonah as you study may surprise you. What you learn about God may truly astound you!


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Glossary of TermsAmittai—The father of Jonah. His name means “loyal” or “faithful.”

Assyria—In Jonah’s day, the empire of Assyria was known for its violence, cruelty, and wickedness. It was a major threat to Israel and many other smaller nations. See also Nineveh.

fast (fasting)—an ancient religious practice in which people would go without food and/or water for set periods of time; in the Jewish tradi-tion this was often accompanied by prayer to God for help in a time of great need (see 2 Chron. 20:2-4). Fasting was often also used as a sign of repentance.

Hebrew—a general term describing the descendants of Abraham, a descendant of Eber. The NIV Study Bible states that Eber “is the origin of the Hebrew word for ‘Hebrew’” (see Gen. 10:21, 25; 11:10-12:9). In Jonah’s day the term was used to differentiate the Israelites from the cultures and peoples around them. The word was generally used in the presence of foreigners rather than among other Hebrews ( Israelites).

idol—in ancient times, usually a sculpted or manufactured image wor-shiped as a god. In our day, an idol can be anyone or anything that we allow to be more important than God in our lives.

Jonah—a prophet of God (c. 800-750 B.C.) from the town of Gath Hepher in northern Israel (2 Kings 14:25; see Josh. 19:13). Jonah prophesied that Israel’s boundaries would be expanded to the north and south, and this happened during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel (c. 782-753 B.C.).

Joppa—a major port on the ancient eastern Mediterranean coast. Today it is called Jaffa, and it’s a suburb of Tel Aviv, Israel.

the Lord—God Almighty, the covenant God of Israel. God made a c ovenant (promise agreement) with Abraham, the father of the Israelites, promising to make him into a great nation through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:1-22; Ex. 3:13-17).

Nineveh—a major hub of the Assyrian empire, Nineveh was tradi-tionally known as a “great city” (Jon. 1:2; see Gen. 10:12). The ruins of Nineveh are located on the east bank of the Tigris River and are surrounded by present-day Mosul in Iraq. See also Assyria.

the pit—a reference to sheol, which in ancient times referred to the place of the dead. See also realm of the dead.


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Jonah 1:17-2:10

Jonah Repents

Getting Started

Psalm 139:7 asks God the rhetorical questions “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”—and then lists all the places where one cannot hide from God. As we saw in lesson 1, Jonah tried to run away from God, and he was swallowed by a great fish sent by the Lord to save him from drowning in a storm at sea. God now has Jonah’s attention. How will Jonah respond?

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What Does the Bible Say?

1. Jonah 1:17-2:1

a. What do you think Jonah expected would happen when he was thrown overboard?

b. What was Jonah’s reaction when he found himself alive inside a fish?

2. Jonah 2:2-4

Note: This chapter is written mainly in Hebrew poetic form. This type of poetry features parallelism, in which one statement is followed by another that either restates a thought or contrasts with it. You will also notice that this poetry is not concerned with an exact sequence of events. In addition, the

Let’s talk about . . .


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person or group being addressed can change abruptly; this change of voice is common in Hebrew poetry. An example of this is also found in Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. In addition, many of the phrases in Jonah 2:2-9 are borrowed from psalm texts that Jonah would have known since childhood; see especially Psalm 18:4-6; 42:4, 7; 66:13-14; 86:13; 88:6-7, 16-17.

a. Whom does Jonah address in these poetic verses, and what does he say?

b. List the word pictures that describe Jonah’s situation. What does he experience?

c. Why would Jonah feel banished and say that God hurled him into the sea?

d. What statements of hope does Jonah express? Why?

For conversation . . .


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3. Jonah 2:5-6

a. What do these verses tell us about Jonah’s experience?

b. What does it mean that God brought his life up from the pit? (It may be helpful to consult the glossary.)

4. Jonah 2:7-9

a. What does Jonah’s focus turn to in these verses?

b. How are idols contrasted with God here? What do these verses tell us about Jonah?

c. What does Jonah say about salvation, and how has he experienced this?

I wonder about . . .


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5. Jonah 2:10

What does the Lord do here, and what is the outcome for Jonah?

Taking It Homea. Reflect on Jonah’s experience of salvation, and describe the change

that took place in Jonah.

b. In what ways does Jonah’s experience parallel ours and point us to Christ?

Further StudyPsalm 139:7-14

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Psalm 18:4-6; 42:4, 7; 66:13-14; 86:13; 88:6-7, 16-17

Romans 8:38-39

Matthew 12:40

Romans 5:8

For discussion . . .


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An InvitationListen now to what God is saying to you.

You may be aware of things in your life that keep you from coming near to God. You may have thought of God as someone who is unsympathetic, angry, and punishing. You may feel as if you don’t know how to pray or how to come near to God.

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2:4-5). Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross to save us from our sins. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you’ve done in the past, or what your heritage is. God has been watching over you and caring for you, drawing you closer. “You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13).

Do you want to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord? It’s as simple as A-B-C:

• Admit that you have sinned and that you need God’s forgiveness.

• Believe that God loves you and that Jesus has already paid the price for your sins.

• Commit your life to God in prayer, asking the Lord to forgive your sins, nurture you as his child, and fill you with the Holy Spirit.


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Prayer of CommitmentHere is a prayer of commitment recognizing Jesus Christ as Savior. If you long to be in a loving relationship with Jesus, pray this prayer. If you have already committed your life to Jesus, use this prayer for renewal and praise.

Dear God, I come to you simply and honestly to confess that I have sinned, that sin is a part of who I am. And yet I know that you listen to sinners who are truthful before you. So I come with empty hands and heart, asking for forgiveness.

I confess that only through faith in Jesus Christ can I come to you. I confess my need for a Savior, and I thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross to pay the price for my sins. Father, I ask that you forgive my sins and count me as righteous for Jesus’ sake. Remove the guilt that accompanies my sin, and bring me into your presence.

Holy Spirit of God, help me to pray, and teach me to live by your Word. Faithful God, help me to serve you faithfully. Make me more like Jesus each day, and help me to share with others the good news of your great salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


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BibliographyAllen, Leslie C. The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah in The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1976.

Cary, Phillip. Jonah. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 2008.

Elwell, Walter A., ed. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988.

Guthrie, D., and J. A. Motyer, et al., eds. The New Bible Commentary: Revised. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1970.

Keil, C. F., and F. Delitzsch. Commentary on the Old Testament. Volume 10. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1975.

Nixon, Rosemary. The Message of Jonah. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Sasson, Jack. Jonah. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1994.

Stuart, Douglas. Hosea-Jonah. Waco, Tex.: Word Books, 1987.

NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2011.

Reformation Study Bible. Lake Mary, Fla.: Ligonier Ministries, 2005.


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JONAH

S T U D Y G U I D E

Dive into one of the best known stories of the Bible. Explore Jonah’s encounter with a huge fish and how God uses this story to show God’s deep love for all of humanity. Through this study you will discover the journey of a reluctant prophet and a gracious God, and deepen your understanding of God’s character.

The Discover Your Bible series inspires readers to discover together what the Bible says and means. Participants dive into the text using questions that spark meaningful conversation and personalized application. Every lesson is designed to be a framework that guides groups on a unique and transformative journey. Discover more at DiscoverYourBible.org.

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DISCOVER JONAH...36774 DYB Jonah SG_text.indd 5 8/16/17 11:32 AM SAMPLE. 6 Introduction The story of Jonah and the great fish is one of the best known stories of the Bible. It is a