Jonah 3:1-5
The Word Came a Second Time
Read the passage
1Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:
2“Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.”
3This time Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, in accordance with the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, requiring a three-day journey.
4On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!”
5And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The word of the LORD comes to Jonah again: get up, go to Nineveh, and proclaim the message God gives him. This time he goes in accordance with the LORD’s word. The destination remains the city he previously refused to visit.
Nineveh is described as exceedingly great, requiring a three-day journey. On his first day in the city, Jonah proclaims, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” The account gives us this urgent warning without supplying a transcript of everything he may have said.
The Ninevites believe God. They proclaim a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. The response is widespread, reaching people of different standing in the city. The messenger who ran from his task has now delivered the LORD’s warning, and the people take it seriously.
Questions
1 What does the LORD tell Jonah to do again?
AnswerGo to Nineveh and proclaim the message He gives him. God renews the commission to the same city Jonah had refused to visit.
2 How does Jonah respond this time?
AnswerHe gets up and goes to Nineveh in accordance with the LORD’s word. His actions now follow the command he has received.
3 What warning is recorded?
Answer“Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” Jonah announces the coming judgment on his first day of traveling into the city.
4 How do the Ninevites respond?
AnswerThey believe God, proclaim a fast, and wear sackcloth. The response includes the greatest and the least among them.
What This Means for Us
A previous refusal need not become a reason to keep refusing. When the LORD sends Jonah again, he goes.
If you have neglected something right that is still yours to do, begin it. Make the call, keep the promise, or offer the apology you have postponed. Thank God for an opportunity to obey without demanding that someone first forget your earlier failure.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the mercy of another opportunity to obey. Help us do the good we have delayed and trust Your word to accomplish Your purpose. Amen.