The Story of Jonah

The biblical story of Jonah, often retold in children's literature, follows the prophet Jonah who is called by God to go to the city of Nineveh to preach against its wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah attempts to flee from God's presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. God sends a great storm, and the sailors, realizing that Jonah's disobedience has brought the storm upon them, throw him overboard. Jonah is then swallowed by a great fish, provided by God, where he spends three days and three nights. In the belly of the fish, Jonah prays to God and repents. The fish vomits Jonah onto dry land, and he goes to Nineveh to deliver God's message. The people of Nineveh believe Jonah's warning and repent, and God spares the city from destruction. The story ends with Jonah grappling with his anger at God's mercy and learning a lesson about compassion and divine grace.