Outline of Jonah

Revised by Tyler Mayfield (5/24)

1. JonahJonah son of Amittai was a rebellious prophet who fled from the Lord’s command, only to be delivered by a big and fish and bring about the repentance of Nineveh. More Rebels and Flees (1:1-17)

Jonah is called by God to preach to Nineveh, but instead flees in the opposite direction toward Tarshish. God sends a storm to stop Jonah, who reveals his identity and the fact that he is running away to his fellow shipmates. Jonah is thrown into the sea and a big fish saves him. 

2. Jonah’s Song (2:1-10)

In the belly of the fish, Jonah prays a song of thanksgiving. The psalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More speaks of his distress and his travel to the underworld. He thanks God for rescuing him and saving his life. At the end of the prayer, God causes the fish to vomit Jonah onto the land. 

3. Jonah in Nineveh (3:1-10)

God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh a second time, and he does. When he arrives, he walks into the city and preaches a short sermon. The entire wicked city repents. God decides not to destroy the city.

4. Jonah’s Lesson (4:1-11)

Jonah becomes angry that God spared the city, so he asks to die. God appoints a bush to grow and provide shade for Jonah; then, God provides a worm to eat the plant. Jonah asks to die again. The book ends with a question about God’s concern for Nineveh.