Jonah

The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is the only book in the Prophets section that mainly records what ensued in the prophet's life instead of recording his revelations and prophecies.

Jonah is the son of Amittai and came from Gath-hepher in the region of Zebulun, three miles northeast of Nazareth. Jonah prophesied the victorious movement of Jeroboam II to return Israel to her original borders after years of subjection to Damascus in about 788 B.C. Jonah is however known best for his mission to the people of Nineveh and his experience with the whale.

Jonah testified of the Lord's justice to the people of Nineveh, and his prayer and testimony of the Lord's mercy from the belly of the whale. The events in Jonah's life also testify powerfully of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Savior referred to his own death, burial, and resurrection as 'the sign of the prophet Jonah' and warned those of his own generation that the people of Nineveh, who believed Jonah's warning, would stand as witnesses against them.1

Principles that were taught then are principles that can be heeded in this latter day are: we cannot hide from the Lord, with the Lord's help, one righteous person can work miracles and, God loves all his children and wants them to be saved.

1 "Holy Bible", Matthew 12:39-41, Luke 11:29-30