28. The Books of Jonah and Nahum: What Rolf Jacobson Wants You to Know About Mercy

Book of Jonah summary with Rolf Jacobson: mercy, Nineveh, and the question Jonah leaves us with.

Most people know Jonah as the guy who got swallowed by a whale. But this book of Jonah summary reveals a much stranger and funnier story. In this episode of the Bible in a Year podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker are joined by Rolf Jacobson. Rolf is Dean of the Faculty at Luther Seminary. Together they explore the books of Jonah and Nahum. Rolf walks through Jonah’s reluctant call to preach against Nineveh and his flight in the opposite direction. He covers the storm, the big fish, and the five word sermon that converts an entire city. He also unpacks the book of Nahum, which pronounces God’s judgment on Assyria. This sets the stage for everything Jonah wrestles with.

At the heart of the conversation is the Hebrew word hesed, God’s steadfast loving mercy. Jonah leaves us with an uncomfortable question. If you want mercy for yourself, can you also want it for people you hate? Rolf and the hosts play a round of Bible Bingo covering Nineveh, providence, nature, and obedience. They also dig into strange details in the Hebrew text that surprise even seasoned scholars. Whether you are new to the minor prophets or have read Jonah many times, this conversation offers a fresh way in.

Bible Bingo

Nineveh
Providence
Nature
Hesed
Obedience

7-Word Summary

A prophet disobeys God and learns hesed.

Scripture References

Book of Jonah
Book of Nahum
2 Kings – referenced for the mention of Jonah, son of Amittai, as a prophet in the northern kingdom

Featuring

Rolf A. Jacobson

Rolf Jacobson, Professor of Old Testament and the Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry, earned a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas, an M.Div. from Luther Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Known for his humor and faithful biblical interpretation, Jacobson enjoys collaborating with other teachers and pastors. His collaborative projects include the Narrative Lectionary (with Craig Koester), The Book of Psalms (with Beth Tanner and Nancy deClaissé-Walford), Crazy Talk: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms (with five fellow Luther Seminary graduates), and Crazy Book: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Biblical Terms (with Hans Wiersma and Karl Jacobson). His voice can be heard on two weekly preaching podcasts, “Sermon Brainwave” and “The Narrative Lectionary.” He is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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Hosted By

Kathryn Schifferdecker

Kathryn M Schifferdecker is Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2001, Schifferdecker was associate pastor for five years at Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisconsin, before coming to Luther in 2006. Schifferdecker is a frequent contributor to Working Preacher, Word & World, and the author of "Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job" (Harvard University Press, 2008). She is currently writing a commentary on the book of Esther.

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Katie Langston

Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in a small Utah town and still isn't sure she fits in anywhere sophisticated enough to have a Target. She's the author of Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, an acclaimed spiritual memoir about her conversion to orthodox Christianity. Katie is Pastor of Mission and Outreach at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. From 2020-2025, she was the director of digital strategy for Luther Seminary's innovation team, where she oversaw digital projects aimed at cultivating vibrant Christian spirituality in a post-modern, post-Christian cultural context.

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About The Bible in a Year Podcast

This podcast guides you on a journey through the books of the Bible, providing insights on how Scripture can shape your life today. Each episode focuses on one or two books of the Bible in fun, engaging, and authentic conversations between Luther Seminary faculty and guest Bible scholars who are experts on the book(s) in question. Join us as we make our way through the Bible in a year — new episodes drop every Wednesday in 2026!