Bible Figure
Jonah
Biblical and Quranic prophet
Jonah son of Amittai was an Israelite prophet sent by God to preach against Nineveh, capital of Assyria, but initially fled from the mission.
Biography
Jonah was commanded to go to Nineveh because of its wickedness, but he boarded a ship heading in the opposite direction. God sent a great storm, and after Jonah acknowledged responsibility he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. After praying, Jonah was delivered and again sent to Nineveh. He proclaimed impending judgment, and the people, from the king downward, responded with fasting and repentance. God relented from the announced destruction, which angered Jonah. Through the episode of a rapidly growing and dying plant, God exposed Jonah's misplaced priorities and emphasized His compassion for the great city. Second Kings also identifies Jonah as a prophet whose word concerning Israel's territorial restoration was fulfilled under Jeroboam II.
Biblical Significance
Jonah confronts the reader with God's freedom to show mercy even to feared enemies. Jesus later used Jonah's experience as a sign pointing to His own death and resurrection and cited Nineveh's repentance as a rebuke to unbelief.