13.
Nineveh in the time of Jonah’s visitation was governed by a very wise man.He quickly recognized the situation as one that was potentially catastrophic. He made the only move that he could make to alleviate the impending destruction. In absolute humility he left his throne, the seat of authority and sat in ashes. His robe, the sign and insignia of his high position, he exchanged for sack cloth. All of his actions indicated the whole hearted humbling of himself and his surrender to a higher authority. He also issued an edict that neither man nor beast would eat or drink. All must be clothed or covered in sackcloth. Jonah 3:6-8.
Beyond the physical and self denial actions taken was the kings call to the people to call mightily upon God, Elohiym, the true and the living Lord. They were not asked to call upon their gods, whoever and whatever they may have been. To turn from the ways of evil doers is to come before the Lord in repentance. Their city was obviously one of evil and violence. Their reasoning was, that there was a possibility that the Lord would change His mind when He saw their true repentance. Clever king. They knew that if the Lord changed His mind they would be delivered from the catastrophe of which Jonah spoke. Jonah 3:8-9 What He had spoken about Israel and His relationship with them He also applied in this case. He heard their cry and turned from the punishment that He had determined for them. He is mercy personified. Ps. 106:44-45.
What a terrific result and answer to their prayers. The Lord reversed His plan to bring judgment upon them because of their heart felt and sincere repentance. He is a God of mercy and will show mercy to all who will truly seek Him with their whole heart. Jonah 3:10 Jesus used this situation of Nineveh as a rebuke to those of His generation. They reacted and repented at the preaching of Jonah. Now that a greater was in their midst, they would not listen to Him nor repent. Luke 11:32.
Jonah was certainly of a different nature than most, at least we hope so. It is unimaginable that the Lord would have an angry prophet on His hands. The deliverance of approximately one million people from disaster would be great joy for most people, even prophets prophesying dire happenings. But not Jonah. He became angry with the Lord. Exceedingly displeased and greatly angered. A strange, strange attitude. The Lord has quite a mixture in His arsenal of weapons, including Jonah. Jonah 4:1 To see one react in this manner is most shocking. To be angry with the Lord is most definitely an extreme emotion. Something which might be found amongst the ungodly, but a prophet? It makes Jonah appear to be a very heartless person, desiring to see Nineveh punished greatly for whatever reason.