Jonah and Nahum - 6 Sessions
Jonah and Nahum are two short but powerful books that center around the ancient city of Nineveh. Jonah reveals God’s mercy and patience, while Nahum proclaims His justice and judgment. Together, they offer a compelling narrative of divine character—grace extended and righteousness upheld.
Session 3: Mercy for the Undeserving – Nineveh's Repentance — Jonah 3; Ezekiel 18:23; Isaiah 55:6–7
Session 4: Wrestling with Grace – God’s Heart vs. Our Bias — Jonah 4; Matthew 5:43–45; Romans 5:8
Session 6: The Goodness of Justice – Trusting God's Judgment — Nahum 1:7; Nahum 3:1–7; Micah 6:8
Bible Study Class — Jonah and Nahum
"learning to praising God with our whole hearts, even in times of judgment and sorrow."
Five Subjects of Interest
God’s Relentless Mercy – Jonah 3:10 shows God’s response to repentance: “And God saw their works... and did it not.”
The Prophet’s Struggle – Jonah’s reluctance and anger reveal the human heart in tension with divine grace.
Nineveh’s Rise and Fall – Nahum 1:3 declares: “The Lord is slow to anger... and will not at all acquit the wicked.”
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations – Both books affirm that God governs history and holds empires accountable.
The Consistency of God’s Character – Historian G. Campbell Morgan noted, “What appears to be change is really due to God’s changelessness.”
Timeless Wisdom for Today
Jonah and Nahum speak to our times with surprising clarity. Jonah reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of grace—even our enemies. Nahum assures us that evil will not go unanswered. These books challenge us to trust God’s timing and justice, especially when the world seems upside down. As James Montgomery Boice observed, “The moral laws that operated in the destruction of Nineveh will also destroy us unless we repent and seek God’s blessing.”
Practical Applications in Christian Living
Jonah teaches us to obey God’s call, even when it’s uncomfortable. His story encourages us to examine our attitudes toward forgiveness and compassion. Nahum, on the other hand, calls us to rest in God’s justice and to celebrate His protection over His people. Both books urge us to live with integrity, humility, and trust in God’s ultimate plan.
Why This Book Matters
Studying Jonah and Nahum together offers a balanced view of God’s heart—His mercy and His justice. These books remind us that repentance matters, that God hears the cries of the humble, and that He will not overlook persistent evil. For seasoned believers who have seen the ebb and flow of life, these prophets offer reassurance: God is faithful, and His purposes will prevail.
(another series)
The book of Jonah tells the story of a Hebrew prophet who initially flees from God's command to preach to Nineveh, but eventually obeys after being swallowed by a great fish. When Jonah finally delivers God's message, the entire city repents, as evidenced by the king's decree: "Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence". The narrative concludes with God teaching Jonah about His boundless compassion for all people, including those Jonah considered enemies.
1. "The Reluctant Prophet" Disobedience and Flight - Jonah 1:1-3
2. "The Storm at Sea" Judgment and Deliverance - Jonah 1:4-16
3. "Swallowed by a Great Fish" The Abyss and Awakening - Jonah 1:17-2:10
4. "A Second Chance" Reluctant Obedience - Jonah 3:1-4
5. "Nineveh's Repentance" Unexpected Grace - Jonah 3:5-10
6. "The Prophet's Anger" Anger and Lament - Jonah 4:1-4
7. "The Lesson of the Plant" Mercy Triumphant - Jonah 4:5-11
Jonah Introduction
The Book of Jonah stands as one of the most captivating narratives in the Old Testament, functioning both as historical account and profound spiritual metaphor. Unlike many prophetic books that primarily record prophecies, Jonah tells a story that masterfully weaves together divine calling, human reluctance, and God's overwhelming mercy. As Jesus himself referenced Jonah's experience, saying "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40), we see how this Old Testament story points forward to Christ's death and resurrection.
The renowned biblical scholar N.T. Wright reminds us that "The Old Testament is not just a collection of ancient stories about a distant people. It is part of our own family story." This perspective is crucial for contemporary Christians approaching Jonah's narrative. The story challenges our modern sensibilities with its miraculous elements – a man surviving inside a great fish, a plant growing and withering overnight – yet these very elements highlight God's sovereign power over creation and His ability to use nature itself to accomplish His purposes.
Pastor Timothy Keller offers a compelling insight when he notes, "Jonah is not so much a story about a fish as it is about God's mercy and how His people should share it with others." This observation is particularly relevant for today's Christians who might struggle with the Old Testament's seemingly harsh portions. Jonah's story reveals that God's character – His compassion, patience, and desire for repentance – remains consistent throughout scripture. The book demonstrates how God's concern extends beyond the chosen people of Israel to encompass all nations, as evidenced by His compassion for Nineveh when He declares, "Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left?" (Jonah 4:11).
For contemporary Christians, especially those who might view the Old Testament as disconnected from modern faith practice, Jonah serves as a bridge. It addresses themes that resonate deeply with our current experience: wrestling with divine calls that push us out of our comfort zones, struggling with prejudice against those different from us, and learning to align our hearts with God's expansive mercy. Through this lens, we see that the Old Testament isn't merely a historical prelude to the New Testament, but rather an integral part of understanding God's character and His ongoing work in the world.