The question is posed to the prophet Jonah from the Lord Himself. Before the reader ever reaches this climactic query (4.5), it is established as a theme in Jonah. Of course, it is right for us to remember that the great tempests in our lives affect others and are more often than not caused by our subversive actions (1.12). It is right for us to cry out to the Lord when afflicted by those selfsame tempests (2.2) acknowledging that “salvation is of the Lord” (2.9). It is right for us to get back on track for God and do what He had called us to do in the first place (3.1-9). Most interesting to note is the fact that sin and prayer affect what God will do (3.9-10).
Why did it so displease Jonah that God relented from the disaster that was to come upon Nineveh (4.1)? Jonah knew that God was “gracious and merciful … slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness” (4.2). That he would know this firsthand and deny it of others is quite telling when we search our own lives. Jonah received the benefits of God’s mercy and forgiveness in the belly of the fish; he did not want the same for the inhabitant of Nineveh. Why? We are not told. Many speculate. I would imagine it had something to do with the violence and vitriol of the Assyrians. Jonah’s personal disgust with the Gentiles leaves the reader wondering about his attitude even to the very end of the book.
“Is it right for you to be angry?” Great question to ponder. Jonah needed an object lesson. God prepares a benefit for Jonah, a plant that provides shade. Jonah was thankful for the blessing from God (4.6). God allowed the east wind to wither the plant and punish Jonah with great heat (4.8). Jonah grew angry.
“Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” Another convicting question to ponder. Jonah answers it by exclaiming, “Is it right for me to be angry, even to death!” Jonah had nothing to do with the plant’s growth and the benefits it gave to him. God had everything to do with it. God also created the men, women, and animals that inhabited Nineveh. Pity for a plant (self) and pity for a people. Therein we see the striking contrast between Creator and created.
Why is it that men and women grow so angry about the injustices they see in the world? Apart from the mercy and forgiveness of God, we would all be in Hell. To deny anyone the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God is a travesty of great proportions. May God grant us the mind of Christ in this matter.
