Jonah Chapter 3 Summary

Jonah's second commission. Ninevah's repentance becauseof his obedience.

Discussion Questions for Jonah, Chapter 3

  1. What do we learn about God's character from His dealings with Jonah? How is this applicable in our lives?
  2. Why do you think Jonah obeys God now? Does God always give second chances if we disobey a calling? What is your experience?
  3. What was Jonah's message to Nineveh? Is that message relevant to our nation? If so, how might we contextualize that message for today?
  4. How do the Ninevites respond to Jonah? What does that say about Jonah's preaching of God's word?
  5. What does the king's decree call on people to do? How does his response show us that fasting and sackcloth alone do not constitute repentance?
  6. In what ways does this book show us that God is not a territorial God like the gods of the nations?
  7. What is the purpose of wearing sackcloth and fasting? How do we observe these spiritual disciplines today? What is your experience of rituals of repentance?
  8. On what basis does God judge Nineveh, which does not have His covenant? What does that mean for the nations of the world today? What does this mean for the Church?
  9. Why does the king not assure his people of God's favor? Compare this to Joel 2:14. How would you apply this question today?
  10. What does it mean that God had compassion (3:10) or “relented” (4:3 NIV)? Does it mean He changed His mind? What questions does this raise for you? What conclusion do you come to?

Key Words/Phrase

Repentance, v. 8, 10.

Characters

God, Jonah, King of Nineveh.

Strong Verse(s)

2 (b), 10.