Historical Background Of Jonah

Jonah was a prophet of Israel, yet the account of his book concerns his prophecy to Ninevah, capital of Assyria.

In Israel—Jeroboam II, Israel’s most powerful king, reigned during Jonah’s ministry (2 Kings 14:23-29). He found the kingdom weakened from paying tribute to Assyria since the time of Jehu. Jeroboam II restored large tracts of Israel’s territory. Times were prosperous; nationalism and patriotism were running high as seen in Jonah’s actions.

In Assyria—Ninevah was a great city and the capital of Assyria (Jonah 1:2; 4:11)—the dominant world power at that time. Ninevah had great palaces, libraries, wealth, and power. The Assyrians were also a very cruel and ruthless nation.

Message Of Jonah

This book carries a message of God’s love for all men and man’s hatred for his fellow man. Jonah is best remembered for being swallowed by the great fish, but his problem was that he was swallowed by great national pride that led him to hatred.