Today’s reading takes us to a familiar account: Jonah and the whale! The prophet Jonah lived during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel. Yesterday’s reading concluded with a brief account of his reign and accomplishments. A verse in that account sets the stage for the Book of Jonah. Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. (2 Kings 14:25, NLT)
Jeroboam II was a wicked king. Yet we see God’s mercy through Jonah’s prophecy of prosperity during his reign, for God saw the bitterness suffered by Israel (2 Kings 14:24, 26). No king since Solomon had experienced this length of reign in Israel with this much success. God was indeed merciful! Of course, Jonah had prophesied this, which made Jonah the prophet of the hour! Who doesn’t enjoy national prosperity and pride? They are recovering territory lost to their enemies; things are good!
In this context, God comes to Jonah and commands him to preach to Israel’s enemy, Syria. What! God’s mercy for their enemy, too? No way! So Jonah ran from God. Well, we know the story. Eventually, Jonah goes to Nineveh, the enemy repents, and God shows mercy! Notice Jonah’s feelings on the matter, … “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. (Jonah 4:2, ESV)
God is merciful! He was merciful to Israel, Israel’s enemy, and Jonah! Let’s not forget to remember God’s mercies for us and others!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Jonah 1-4.