Jonah was a Hebrew prophet in the 8th century bc. His biblical record, rather than a collection of prophecies, is a single tale that teaches both obedience to God and God’s compassion. At its outset, Jonah is divinely ordered to preach in Nineveh—one of the largest cities in the world at the time and home to worship of the pagan goddess Ishtar. It was also the capital of Assyria, a nation known for brutal warfare against its neighbors. 

Perhaps understandably, Jonah refuses to go. In rebellion, he embarks on a long voyage to escape God’s decree. His destination is believed to have been almost five times the distance to Nineveh—but in the opposite direction. 

What follows graphically illustrates God’s authority and forgiveness. First, the sea voyage is interrupted by a great storm. Then, revealing to his fellow sailors that he is the cause of the trouble, Jonah volunteers to be thrown into the sea, where he is swallowed by a huge fish. After three days of humble prayer, Jonah is vomited onto land. He is finally ready to obey God’s charge—and as a result, Nineveh repents of its wickedness.