STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF JONAH-part 8

                                     8/31/03

 

Chap. 2, verse 8- Jonah’s declaration is usually applied to “pagan sailors that trust in idols”- however, it may that he is speaking of himself in the plural “they”, as he is aware of the futility of running

from the LORD’s goodness.

  “mercy”= chesed = lovingkindness, mercy, grace; usually used in

context of God’s covenant over faithfulness with Israel.  Jonah has been chastened and is now repentant for his wrongdoing.  Just as

Jonah was a picture or type of Israel in being preserved, so he is

a picture or type of them in recovery and service.  See Zeph.3:9-20 which describes the reclamation of Israel as God’s people and their

genuine conversion, accompanied by safety and service.

 

Chap. 2, verse 9- “but I will sacrifice…”- Psa. 27:6, 116:17—

Sacrifice in the OT is expressive of appreciation or thanksgiving

for God’s bounty, provision or deliverance.  We often think of it as

appeasing God’s wrath, but it is more often an exercise of joy.

To this, Jonah adds “I will pay that I have vowed”- thus, Jonah

does just as the mariners –see 1:16 “offered sacrifice…made vows”.

   “Vows” are spiritual commitments reflecting a serious desire

to obey the LORD.  Different from human promises, vows place the person into sacred obligations that may require denial of personal

preference and a deep intent looking beyond mere cost.

    The specific vow of Jonah is not stated, but is understood to be

obedience to God’s command to go to Nineveh.

    “Salvation is of the LORD” is the declarative truth of the book of

Jonah.  It is depicted both in God’s servant (Jonah) and in the object

of God’s interest (Nineveh).  But in Jonah this “salvation” runs contrary to the desire of God’s servant; thus, salvation here emphasizes God’s

sovereignty—that He extends His grace to the most undeserving,

including pagan Gentiles.  It is a foretaste of His grace offered to

the nations in the gospel of grace- Romans 1:5, 8; 9:18, 11:5-6.

    Concerning salvation it may be said it is “of him [source], and

through him [means] and to him [end]”- Rom.11:36.  This is the

great lesson to be learned by God’s people; it was a stumbling block

to the Pharisees/scribes- Luke 15:1-2- God gives salvation to whosoever will come to His Son.

    Further, “salvation is of the LORD” in that it reflects His perfect

plan.  He is perfect and His plan must reflect His character.  If salvation of the lost were by works, men could boast of their

 

 

 

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achievement (Eph. 2:9) detracting from God as holy and perfect.

But by placing all men under sin (Rom.3:9) and guilty before God

(Rom. 3:19), and accounted as ungodly (Rom.5:6), sinners (Rom.5:8)

and His enemies (Rom.5:10), God can show mercy to all (Rom.11:32)

that respond to His Work on their behalf (Rom. 3:25) on the basis

of free grace (Rom.3:24).  He remains Perfect in Person and in His

work for sinners, while justifying only those who submit to His

finished work (Rom. 3:28).  Such “faith” cannot be a matter of

boasting by men as it is simply their belief in His promises (Rom.4:5).

 

Chapter 2, verse 10

  With the work of chastisement and humbling having been accomplished in Jonah’s life and the purposes of having the fish

swallow Jonah completed, God now acts to release him from this

experience.  While the fish is not the central figure in the story, the verses to show that God is in control of all nature.  He controlled the

storm (1:4, 15) and He controlled the fish (1:17, 2:10).  God’s discipline in Jonah’s life achieved the goal of submission (Heb.12:9)

and righteousness (Heb. 12:11) and did not last a moment longer

than was necessary.  The pruning process is necessary (John 15:2)

but never exceeds the mercy of the LORD-Psa. 103:8-9.