He Learned a Lesson in Mercy

 

A Message of Judgment and a Surprising Response

Jonah did not see Nineveh as Jehovah did. We read: "Now Nineveh herself proved to be a city great to God." (Jonah 3:3) Three times, the record of Jonah quotes Jehovah as referring to "Nineveh the great city." (Jonah 1:2; 3:2; 4:11)  Why was t his city great, or important to Jehovah?

Nineveh was ancient, bring among the first  cities that Nimrod established after the Flood.  It was vast, a mettopolitan region that evidently included several othe cities, requiring a man three days to walk from one end to the other.  (Genesis 10:11; Jonah 3:3)  Nineveh was impressive, with stately temples, mighty walls, and other edifices.  But none of these factors mad the city important to Jehovah God. What mattered to him were the people.  Nineveh had a huge population for that time.  Despite the people's badness, Jehovah cared about them.  He values human life and the potential that each individual has for repenting and learning to do what is right.

When Jonah finally entered Nineveh, it sizable population of more than 120, 000 may have made the place more intimidating.  He walked for a day, penetrating ever deeper into that teeming metropolis, perhaps looking for a suitable central location to start spreading his message .  How would he reach these people? Had he learned to speak the Assyrian tongue?  Or did Jehovah grant him that ability through a miracle? We do not know.  It may be that Jonah made his proclamation in his native Hebrew and used an interpreter to relate it to the Ninevites. At any rate, his message was simple and not likely to win  him any favor: "Only forty days more and Nineveh will be overthrown." (Jonah 3:4)  He spoke boldly and repeatedly.  In doing so, he showed remarkable courage and faith, qualities that Christians today need more than ever. 

Next time: He Learned a Lesson in Mercy - A Message of Judgment and a Surprising Response -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications