Home A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Abbreviations Glossary
(This page is under development)
Introduction
Relevance
The story of Jonah has captured the imagination of the church from its earliest days, beginning with early Christian art. In spite of its popularity, Christians through the centuries have never agreed on the interpretation of this four-chapter narrative placed in the middle of the Bible's twelve Minor Prophets (the author’s translation is employed unless otherwise indicated).
As a character, Jonah seems to many readers a model of disobedience and stubbornness rather than the traditional prophetic virtues of obedience and responsiveness. Indeed, many have thought of Jonah as included to provide a negative example.
Others have tried to find something positive in the main character. One such effort is found in Hermann Melville’s 1851 classic novel ‘’’Moby Dick’’’. Father Mapple, the chaplain preaching to a congregation of whalemen: “Shipmates, I do not place Jonah before you to be copied for his sin but I do place him before you as a model for repentance. Sin not; but if you do, take heed to repent of it like Jonah.” Unfortunately for this sermon, the narrative does not indicate that Jonah repented.
Recommended Essays in the Commentary
The Interpreting Community of Faith (in Ruth/Jonah/Esther)
Invitation to Comment
To recommend improvements to this article, click here.
| —Eugene F. Roop |
