Biblical Character - Jonah
In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Theology 201
Introduction to Human and Christic Peace Studies
Mr. Rommel C. Jocson
Student
Sr Malou Solijon, MAT
Professor
October 2012
INTRODUCTION
Different people in the Bible, whether great or common, imparted important roles in the history of our salvation. They can be our role model in living the faith in this present world. Let me focus on Jonah, the prophet, who played a great role in the Old Testament people especially to the people of Nineveh.
THE BIBLE CHARACTER
Jonah in Hebrew is “Yona” or “Yunus” in Islam which means Dove is placed in the tradition of the prophets called by God and sent to announce His Word. He was the son of Mitta according to a Tradition quoted in Sahih Bukhari but the Torah states that his father 's name was Amittai, “…the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai from Gath-hepher” (2 Kings 14:25). Anxious of the limit of God’s mercy, he epitomizes post-exilic Israel, narrow-minded towards her neighbors. His mission is reminiscent with Jeremiah’s mission to the nations “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart, and appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer.1:5).
Jonah is unique among the 12 Minor Prophets in that his book contains little prophecy; its single oracular statement, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Instead of prophecies, the book tells how Jonah was swallowed by “a great fish” and survived “in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” His tale begins with the Lord’s command: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness has come before me”. But Jonah decided to disobey God the reason why he is also called a disobedient prophet.
He was best known as the prophet who was swallowed by a large fish. Realizing that God sent a storm because of his disobedience, Jonah begged to be thrown overboard. His wish was reluctantly granted and, as soon as he was cast
Introduction to Human and Christic Peace Studies
Mr. Rommel C. Jocson
Student
Sr Malou Solijon, MAT
Professor
October 2012
INTRODUCTION
Different people in the Bible, whether great or common, imparted important roles in the history of our salvation. They can be our role model in living the faith in this present world. Let me focus on Jonah, the prophet, who played a great role in the Old Testament people especially to the people of Nineveh.
THE BIBLE CHARACTER
Jonah in Hebrew is “Yona” or “Yunus” in Islam which means Dove is placed in the tradition of the prophets called by God and sent to announce His Word. He was the son of Mitta according to a Tradition quoted in Sahih Bukhari but the Torah states that his father 's name was Amittai, “…the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai from Gath-hepher” (2 Kings 14:25). Anxious of the limit of God’s mercy, he epitomizes post-exilic Israel, narrow-minded towards her neighbors. His mission is reminiscent with Jeremiah’s mission to the nations “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart, and appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer.1:5).
Jonah is unique among the 12 Minor Prophets in that his book contains little prophecy; its single oracular statement, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Instead of prophecies, the book tells how Jonah was swallowed by “a great fish” and survived “in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” His tale begins with the Lord’s command: “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness has come before me”. But Jonah decided to disobey God the reason why he is also called a disobedient prophet.
He was best known as the prophet who was swallowed by a large fish. Realizing that God sent a storm because of his disobedience, Jonah begged to be thrown overboard. His wish was reluctantly granted and, as soon as he was cast
References: 1. Holy Scripture, John XXIII Catechetical Center, C. Guzman St., Davao City 2. The Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 3. Christian Community Bible, Claretian Publications, Quezon City, Philippines 4. Readers Digest: Who’s Who in the Bible, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., Pleasantville, New York Montreal, USA 5. Internet Sources