Jonah’s journey

A reluctant prophet. A city given mercy.

All journeys

Approximate illustration of Nineveh on the eastern bank of the Tigris with the Khosr tributary.

ASSYRIA Tigris River Khosr River

05Nineveh

Named placeCity illustration approximate.

CHAPTER 05 OF 06

Artist’s reconstruction

At Nineveh

Assyria · A warning and a response

Jonah enters Nineveh and delivers God’s warning. The people fast and turn from their wrongdoing. When God sees their response, he spares the city.

Jonah 3:1–10

The route to Nineveh is not described in detail.

You might be wondering...

Why did Jonah resist going?

In Jonah 4:2, he explains that he knew God was gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and ready to relent. His anger after Nineveh is spared reveals his resistance to mercy for the city.

Why was Nineveh spared?

Jonah 3:10 says God saw that the people turned from their evil ways and did not bring the disaster he had announced. Their response includes turning away from violence, not simply outward acts of mourning.