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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jonah | subtopics = The Prophet Jonah | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinion..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jonah |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Text:EBD:Jonah, Book of|Jonah]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Jonah, Book of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Jonah]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Jonah]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Jonah 1|1]]
[[Jonah 2|2]]
[[Jonah 3|3]]
[[Jonah 4|4]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 3|3]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 4|4]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Jonah]]'''
Jonah was a native of Galilee, 2Ki 14:25. His miraculous deliverance from out of the fish, rendered him a type of our blessed [[Lord]], who mentions it, so as to show the certain truth of the narrative. All that was done was easy to the almighty power of the Author and Sustainer of life. This book shows us, by the example of the Ninevites, how great are the [[Divine]] forbearance and long-suffering towards sinners. It shows a most striking contrast between the goodness and [[mercy]] of [[God]], and the rebellion, impatience, and peevishness of his servant; and it will be best understood by those who are most acquainted with their own hearts.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah, sent to Nineveh, flees to Tarshish.
(1-3)
He is stayed by a tempest.
(4-7)
His discourse with the mariners.
(8-12)
He is cast into the sea, and miraculously preserved.
(13-17)
'''Verses''' 1-3
It is sad to think how much [[sin]] is committed in great cities. Their wickedness, as that of Nineveh, is a bold and open affront to [[God]]. Jonah must go at once to Nineveh, and there, on the spot, cry against the wickedness of it. Jonah would not go. Probably there are few among us who would not have tried to decline such a mission. Providence seemed to give him an opportunity to escape; we may be out of the way of duty, and yet may meet with a favourable gale. The ready way is not always the right way. See what the best of men are, when [[God]] leaves them to themselves; and what need we have, when the word of the [[Lord]] comes to us, to have the [[Spirit]] of the [[Lord]] to bring every thought within us into obedience.
'''Verses''' 4-7
[[God]] sent a pursuer after Jonah, even a mighty tempest. Sin brings storms and tempests into the soul, into the family, into [[church]]es and nations; it is a disquieting, disturbing thing. Having called upon their gods for help, the sailors did what they could to help themselves. Oh that men would be thus wise for their souls, and would be willing to part with that wealth, pleasure, and honour, which they cannot keep without making shipwreck of [[faith]] and a good conscience, and ruining their souls for ever! Jonah was fast asleep. Sin is stupifying, and we are to take heed lest at any time our hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of it. What do men mean by sleeping on in [[sin]], when the word of [[God]] and the convictions of their own consciences, warn them to arise and call on the [[Lord]], if they would escape everlasting misery? Should not we warn each other to awake, to arise, to call upon our [[God]], if so be he will deliver us? The sailors concluded the storm was a messenger of [[Divine]] justice sent to some one in that ship. Whatever evil is upon us at any time, there is a cause for it; and each must pray, [[Lord]], show me wherefore thou contendest with me. The lot fell upon Jonah. [[God]] has many ways of bringing to light hidden sins and sinners, and making manifest that folly which was thought to be hid from the eyes of all living.
'''Verses''' 8-12
Jonah gave an account of his [[religion]], for that was his business. We may [[hope]] that he told with sorrow and shame, justifying [[God]], condemning himself, and explaining to the mariners what a great [[God]] [[Jehovah]] is. They said to him, Why hast thou done this? If thou fearest the [[God]] that made the sea and the dry land, why wast thou such a fool as to think thou couldst flee from his presence? If the professors of [[religion]] do wrong, they will hear it from those who make no such profession. When [[sin]] has raised a storm, and laid us under the tokens of [[God]]'s displeasure, we must consider what is to be done to the [[sin]] that raised the storm. Jonah uses the language of true penitents, who desire that none but themselves may fare the worse for their sins and follies. Jonah sees this to be the punishment of his iniquity, he accepts it, and justifies [[God]] in it. When conscience is awakened, and a storm raised, nothing will turn it into a calm but parting with the [[sin]] that caused the disturbance. Parting with our money will not pacify the conscience, the Jonah must be thrown overboard.
'''Verses''' 13-17
The mariners rowed against wind and tide, the wind of [[God]]'s displeasure, the tide of his counsel; but it is in vain to think of saving ourselves any other way than by destroying our sins. Even natural conscience cannot but dread blood-guiltiness. And when we are led by Providence [[God]] does what he pleases, and we ought to be satisfied, though it may not please us. Throwing Jonah into the sea put an end to the storm. [[God]] will not afflict for ever, He will only contend till we submit and turn from our sins. Surely these heathen mariners will rise up in judgment against many called [[Christians]], who neither offer [[prayer]]s when in distress, nor thanksgiving for signal deliverances. The [[Lord]] commands all creatures, and can make any of them serve his designs of [[mercy]] to his people. Let us see this [[salvation]] of the [[Lord]], and admire his power, that he could thus save a drowning man, and his pity, that he would thus save one who was running from him, and had offended him. It was of the [[Lord]]'s mercies that Jonah was not consumed. Jonah was alive in the fish three days and nights: to nature this was impossible, but to the [[God]] of nature all things are possible. Jonah, by this miraculous preservation, was made a type of Christ; as our blessed [[Lord]] himself declared, Mt 12:40.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The [[prayer]] of Jonah.
(1-9)
He is delivered from the fish.
(10)
'''Verses''' 1-9
Observe when Jonah prayed. When he was in trouble, under the tokens of [[God]]'s displeasure against him for sin: when we are in affliction we must pray. Being kept alive by [[miracle]], he prayed. A sense of [[God]]'s good-will to us, notwithstanding our offences, opens the lips in [[prayer]], which were closed with the dread of wrath. Also, where he prayed; in the belly of the fish. No place is amiss for [[prayer]]. Men may shut us from communion with one another, but not from communion with [[God]]. To whom he prayed; to the [[Lord]] his [[God]]. This encourages even backsliders to return. What his [[prayer]] was. This seems to relate his experience and reflections, then and afterwards, rather than to be the form or substance of his [[prayer]]. Jonah reflects on the earnestness of his [[prayer]], and [[God]]'s readiness to hear and answer. If we would get good by our troubles, we must notice the hand of [[God]] in them. He had wickedly fled from the presence of the [[Lord]], who might justly take his [[Holy Spirit]] from him, never to visit him more. Those only are miserable, whom [[God]] will no longer own and favour. But though he was perplexed, yet not in despair. Jonah reflects on the favour of [[God]] to him, when he sought to [[God]], and trusted in him in his distress. He warns others, and tells them to keep close to [[God]]. Those who forsake their own duty, forsake their own [[mercy]]; those who run away from the work of their place and day, run away from the comfort of it. As far as a [[believer]] copies those who observe lying vanities, he forsakes his own [[mercy]], and lives below his privileges. But Jonah's experience encourages others, in all ages, to [[trust]] in [[God]], as the [[God]] of [[salvation]].
'''Verse''' 10
Jonah's deliverance may be considered as an instance of [[God]]'s power over all the creatures. As an instance of [[God]]'s [[mercy]] to a poor penitent, who in distress prays to him: and as a type and figure of [[Christ]]'s resurrection. Amidst all our varying experiences, and the changing scenes of life; we should look by faith, fixedly, upon our once suffering and dying, but now risen and ascended [[Redeemer]]. Let us confess our sins, consider [[Christ]]'s resurrection as an earnest of our own, and thankfully receive every temporal and spiritual deliverance, as the pledge of our eternal redemption.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah sent again to Nineveh, preaches there.
(1-4)
Nineveh is spared upon the [[Repentance|repentance]] of the inhabitants.
(5-10)
'''Verses''' 1-4
[[God]] employs Jonah again in his service. His making use of us is an evidence of his being at [[peace]] with us. Jonah was not disobedient, as he had been. He neither endeavoured to avoid hearing the command, nor declined to obey it. See here the nature of repentance; it is the change of our mind and way, and a return to our work and duty. Also, the benefit of affliction; it brings those back to their place who had deserted it. See the power of [[Divine]] grace, for affliction of itself would rather drive men from [[God]], than draw them to him. [[God]]'s servants must go where he sends them, come when he calls them, and do what he bids them; we must do whatever the word of the [[Lord]] commands. Jonah faithfully and boldly delivered his errand. Whether Jonah said more, to show the [[anger]] of [[God]] against them, or whether he only repeated these words again and again, is not certain, but this was the purport of his message. Forty days is a long time for a righteous [[God]] to delay judgments, yet it is but a little time for an unrighteous people to repent and reform in. And should it not awaken us to get ready for death, to consider that we cannot be so sure that we shall live forty days, as Nineveh then was that it should stand forty days? We should be alarmed if we were sure not to live a month, yet we are careless though we are not sure to live a day.
'''Verses''' 5-10
There was a wonder of [[Divine]] [[grace]] in the [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation of Nineveh. It condemns the men of the [[gospel]] generation, Mt 12:41. A very small degree of light may convince men that humbling themselves before [[God]], confessing their sins with [[prayer]], and turning from [[sin]], are means of escaping wrath and obtaining [[mercy]]. The people followed the example of the king. It became a national act, and it was necessary it should be so, when it was to prevent a national ruin. Let even the brute creatures' cries and moans for want of food remind their owners to cry to [[God]]. In [[prayer]] we must cry mightily, with fixedness of thought, firmness of faith, and devout affections. It concerns us in [[prayer]] to stir up all that is within us. It is not enough to fast for [[sin]], but we must fast from sin; and, in order to the success of our [[prayer]]s, we must no more regard iniquity in our hearts, Ps 66:18. The work of a fast-day is not done with the day. The Ninevites hoped that [[God]] would turn from his fierce anger; and that thus their ruin would be prevented. They could not be so confident of finding [[mercy]] upon their repentance, as we may be, who have the [[death]] and merits of [[Christ]], to which we may [[trust]] for [[pardon]] upon repentance. They dared not presume, but they did not despair. Hope of [[mercy]] is the great encouragement to [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation. Let us boldly cast ourselves down at the footstool of free grace, and [[God]] will look upon us with compassion. [[God]] sees who turn from their evil ways, and who do not. Thus he spared Nineveh. We read of no sacrifices offered to [[God]] to make atonement for sin; but a broken and a contrite heart, such as the Ninevites then had, he will not despise.
----
'''Chapter''' 4
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah repines at [[God]]'s [[mercy]] to Nineveh, and is reproved.
(1-4)
He is taught by the withering of a gourd, that he did wrong.
(5-11)
'''Verses''' 1-4
What all the saints make matter of [[joy]] and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon [[God]]; as if showing [[mercy]] were an imperfection of the [[Divine]] nature, which is the greatest [[glory]] of it. It is to his sparing, [[pardon]] ing [[mercy]], we all owe it that we are out of hell. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to [[trust]] the [[Lord]] with his credit and safety. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the [[glory]] of the [[Divine]] [[mercy]]. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Can I justify it? Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Do I well to be angry at the [[mercy]] of [[God]] to repenting sinners? That was Jonah's crime. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the [[glory]] of [[God]], and the advancement of his kingdom? Let the conversion of sinners, which is the [[joy]] of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.
'''Verses''' 5-11
Jonah went out of the city, yet remained near at hand, as if he expected and desired its overthrow. Those who have fretful, uneasy spirits, often make troubles for themselves, that they may still have something to complain of. See how tender [[God]] is of his people in their afflictions, even though they are foolish and froward. A thing small in itself, yet coming seasonably, may be a valuable blessing. A gourd in the right place may do us more service than a cedar. The least creatures may be great plagues, or great comforts, as [[God]] is pleased to make them. Persons of strong passions are apt to be cast down with any trifle that crosses them, or to be lifted up with a trifle that pleases them. See what our creature-comforts are, and what we may expect them to be; they are withering things. A small worm at the root destroys a large gourd: our gourds wither, and we know not what is the cause. Perhaps creature-comforts are continued to us, but are made bitter; the creature is continued, but the comfort is gone. [[God]] prepared a wind to make Jonah feel the want of the gourd. It is just that those who love to complain, should never be left without something to complain of. When afflicting providences take away relations, possessions, and enjoyments, we must not be angry at [[God]]. What should especially silence discontent, is, that when our gourd is gone, our [[God]] is not gone. Sin and [[death]] are very dreadful, yet Jonah, in his heat, makes light of both. One soul is of more value than the whole world; surely then one soul is of more value than many gourds: we should have more concern for our own and others' precious souls, than for the riches and enjoyments of this world. It is a great encouragement to [[hope]] we shall find [[mercy]] with the [[Lord]], that he is ready to show [[mercy]]. And murmurers shall be made to understand, that how willing soever they are to keep the Divine [[grace]] to themselves and those of their own way, there is one [[Lord]] over all, who is rich in [[mercy]] to all that call upon him. Do we wonder at the forbearance of [[God]] towards his perVerse servant? Let us study our own hearts and ways; let us not forget our own ingratitude and obstinacy; and let us be astonished at [[God]]'s patience towards us.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Jonah]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Jonah |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Text:EBD:Jonah, Book of|Jonah]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Jonah, Book of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Jonah]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Jonah]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Jonah 1|1]]
[[Jonah 2|2]]
[[Jonah 3|3]]
[[Jonah 4|4]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 3|3]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Jonah 4|4]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Jonah]]'''
Jonah was a native of Galilee, 2Ki 14:25. His miraculous deliverance from out of the fish, rendered him a type of our blessed [[Lord]], who mentions it, so as to show the certain truth of the narrative. All that was done was easy to the almighty power of the Author and Sustainer of life. This book shows us, by the example of the Ninevites, how great are the [[Divine]] forbearance and long-suffering towards sinners. It shows a most striking contrast between the goodness and [[mercy]] of [[God]], and the rebellion, impatience, and peevishness of his servant; and it will be best understood by those who are most acquainted with their own hearts.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah, sent to Nineveh, flees to Tarshish.
(1-3)
He is stayed by a tempest.
(4-7)
His discourse with the mariners.
(8-12)
He is cast into the sea, and miraculously preserved.
(13-17)
'''Verses''' 1-3
It is sad to think how much [[sin]] is committed in great cities. Their wickedness, as that of Nineveh, is a bold and open affront to [[God]]. Jonah must go at once to Nineveh, and there, on the spot, cry against the wickedness of it. Jonah would not go. Probably there are few among us who would not have tried to decline such a mission. Providence seemed to give him an opportunity to escape; we may be out of the way of duty, and yet may meet with a favourable gale. The ready way is not always the right way. See what the best of men are, when [[God]] leaves them to themselves; and what need we have, when the word of the [[Lord]] comes to us, to have the [[Spirit]] of the [[Lord]] to bring every thought within us into obedience.
'''Verses''' 4-7
[[God]] sent a pursuer after Jonah, even a mighty tempest. Sin brings storms and tempests into the soul, into the family, into [[church]]es and nations; it is a disquieting, disturbing thing. Having called upon their gods for help, the sailors did what they could to help themselves. Oh that men would be thus wise for their souls, and would be willing to part with that wealth, pleasure, and honour, which they cannot keep without making shipwreck of [[faith]] and a good conscience, and ruining their souls for ever! Jonah was fast asleep. Sin is stupifying, and we are to take heed lest at any time our hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of it. What do men mean by sleeping on in [[sin]], when the word of [[God]] and the convictions of their own consciences, warn them to arise and call on the [[Lord]], if they would escape everlasting misery? Should not we warn each other to awake, to arise, to call upon our [[God]], if so be he will deliver us? The sailors concluded the storm was a messenger of [[Divine]] justice sent to some one in that ship. Whatever evil is upon us at any time, there is a cause for it; and each must pray, [[Lord]], show me wherefore thou contendest with me. The lot fell upon Jonah. [[God]] has many ways of bringing to light hidden sins and sinners, and making manifest that folly which was thought to be hid from the eyes of all living.
'''Verses''' 8-12
Jonah gave an account of his [[religion]], for that was his business. We may [[hope]] that he told with sorrow and shame, justifying [[God]], condemning himself, and explaining to the mariners what a great [[God]] [[Jehovah]] is. They said to him, Why hast thou done this? If thou fearest the [[God]] that made the sea and the dry land, why wast thou such a fool as to think thou couldst flee from his presence? If the professors of [[religion]] do wrong, they will hear it from those who make no such profession. When [[sin]] has raised a storm, and laid us under the tokens of [[God]]'s displeasure, we must consider what is to be done to the [[sin]] that raised the storm. Jonah uses the language of true penitents, who desire that none but themselves may fare the worse for their sins and follies. Jonah sees this to be the punishment of his iniquity, he accepts it, and justifies [[God]] in it. When conscience is awakened, and a storm raised, nothing will turn it into a calm but parting with the [[sin]] that caused the disturbance. Parting with our money will not pacify the conscience, the Jonah must be thrown overboard.
'''Verses''' 13-17
The mariners rowed against wind and tide, the wind of [[God]]'s displeasure, the tide of his counsel; but it is in vain to think of saving ourselves any other way than by destroying our sins. Even natural conscience cannot but dread blood-guiltiness. And when we are led by Providence [[God]] does what he pleases, and we ought to be satisfied, though it may not please us. Throwing Jonah into the sea put an end to the storm. [[God]] will not afflict for ever, He will only contend till we submit and turn from our sins. Surely these heathen mariners will rise up in judgment against many called [[Christians]], who neither offer [[prayer]]s when in distress, nor thanksgiving for signal deliverances. The [[Lord]] commands all creatures, and can make any of them serve his designs of [[mercy]] to his people. Let us see this [[salvation]] of the [[Lord]], and admire his power, that he could thus save a drowning man, and his pity, that he would thus save one who was running from him, and had offended him. It was of the [[Lord]]'s mercies that Jonah was not consumed. Jonah was alive in the fish three days and nights: to nature this was impossible, but to the [[God]] of nature all things are possible. Jonah, by this miraculous preservation, was made a type of Christ; as our blessed [[Lord]] himself declared, Mt 12:40.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The [[prayer]] of Jonah.
(1-9)
He is delivered from the fish.
(10)
'''Verses''' 1-9
Observe when Jonah prayed. When he was in trouble, under the tokens of [[God]]'s displeasure against him for sin: when we are in affliction we must pray. Being kept alive by [[miracle]], he prayed. A sense of [[God]]'s good-will to us, notwithstanding our offences, opens the lips in [[prayer]], which were closed with the dread of wrath. Also, where he prayed; in the belly of the fish. No place is amiss for [[prayer]]. Men may shut us from communion with one another, but not from communion with [[God]]. To whom he prayed; to the [[Lord]] his [[God]]. This encourages even backsliders to return. What his [[prayer]] was. This seems to relate his experience and reflections, then and afterwards, rather than to be the form or substance of his [[prayer]]. Jonah reflects on the earnestness of his [[prayer]], and [[God]]'s readiness to hear and answer. If we would get good by our troubles, we must notice the hand of [[God]] in them. He had wickedly fled from the presence of the [[Lord]], who might justly take his [[Holy Spirit]] from him, never to visit him more. Those only are miserable, whom [[God]] will no longer own and favour. But though he was perplexed, yet not in despair. Jonah reflects on the favour of [[God]] to him, when he sought to [[God]], and trusted in him in his distress. He warns others, and tells them to keep close to [[God]]. Those who forsake their own duty, forsake their own [[mercy]]; those who run away from the work of their place and day, run away from the comfort of it. As far as a [[believer]] copies those who observe lying vanities, he forsakes his own [[mercy]], and lives below his privileges. But Jonah's experience encourages others, in all ages, to [[trust]] in [[God]], as the [[God]] of [[salvation]].
'''Verse''' 10
Jonah's deliverance may be considered as an instance of [[God]]'s power over all the creatures. As an instance of [[God]]'s [[mercy]] to a poor penitent, who in distress prays to him: and as a type and figure of [[Christ]]'s resurrection. Amidst all our varying experiences, and the changing scenes of life; we should look by faith, fixedly, upon our once suffering and dying, but now risen and ascended [[Redeemer]]. Let us confess our sins, consider [[Christ]]'s resurrection as an earnest of our own, and thankfully receive every temporal and spiritual deliverance, as the pledge of our eternal redemption.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah sent again to Nineveh, preaches there.
(1-4)
Nineveh is spared upon the [[Repentance|repentance]] of the inhabitants.
(5-10)
'''Verses''' 1-4
[[God]] employs Jonah again in his service. His making use of us is an evidence of his being at [[peace]] with us. Jonah was not disobedient, as he had been. He neither endeavoured to avoid hearing the command, nor declined to obey it. See here the nature of repentance; it is the change of our mind and way, and a return to our work and duty. Also, the benefit of affliction; it brings those back to their place who had deserted it. See the power of [[Divine]] grace, for affliction of itself would rather drive men from [[God]], than draw them to him. [[God]]'s servants must go where he sends them, come when he calls them, and do what he bids them; we must do whatever the word of the [[Lord]] commands. Jonah faithfully and boldly delivered his errand. Whether Jonah said more, to show the [[anger]] of [[God]] against them, or whether he only repeated these words again and again, is not certain, but this was the purport of his message. Forty days is a long time for a righteous [[God]] to delay judgments, yet it is but a little time for an unrighteous people to repent and reform in. And should it not awaken us to get ready for death, to consider that we cannot be so sure that we shall live forty days, as Nineveh then was that it should stand forty days? We should be alarmed if we were sure not to live a month, yet we are careless though we are not sure to live a day.
'''Verses''' 5-10
There was a wonder of [[Divine]] [[grace]] in the [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation of Nineveh. It condemns the men of the [[gospel]] generation, Mt 12:41. A very small degree of light may convince men that humbling themselves before [[God]], confessing their sins with [[prayer]], and turning from [[sin]], are means of escaping wrath and obtaining [[mercy]]. The people followed the example of the king. It became a national act, and it was necessary it should be so, when it was to prevent a national ruin. Let even the brute creatures' cries and moans for want of food remind their owners to cry to [[God]]. In [[prayer]] we must cry mightily, with fixedness of thought, firmness of faith, and devout affections. It concerns us in [[prayer]] to stir up all that is within us. It is not enough to fast for [[sin]], but we must fast from sin; and, in order to the success of our [[prayer]]s, we must no more regard iniquity in our hearts, Ps 66:18. The work of a fast-day is not done with the day. The Ninevites hoped that [[God]] would turn from his fierce anger; and that thus their ruin would be prevented. They could not be so confident of finding [[mercy]] upon their repentance, as we may be, who have the [[death]] and merits of [[Christ]], to which we may [[trust]] for [[pardon]] upon repentance. They dared not presume, but they did not despair. Hope of [[mercy]] is the great encouragement to [[Repentance|repentance]] and reformation. Let us boldly cast ourselves down at the footstool of free grace, and [[God]] will look upon us with compassion. [[God]] sees who turn from their evil ways, and who do not. Thus he spared Nineveh. We read of no sacrifices offered to [[God]] to make atonement for sin; but a broken and a contrite heart, such as the Ninevites then had, he will not despise.
----
'''Chapter''' 4
''Chapter Outline''
Jonah repines at [[God]]'s [[mercy]] to Nineveh, and is reproved.
(1-4)
He is taught by the withering of a gourd, that he did wrong.
(5-11)
'''Verses''' 1-4
What all the saints make matter of [[joy]] and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon [[God]]; as if showing [[mercy]] were an imperfection of the [[Divine]] nature, which is the greatest [[glory]] of it. It is to his sparing, [[pardon]] ing [[mercy]], we all owe it that we are out of hell. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to [[trust]] the [[Lord]] with his credit and safety. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the [[glory]] of the [[Divine]] [[mercy]]. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Can I justify it? Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Do I well to be angry at the [[mercy]] of [[God]] to repenting sinners? That was Jonah's crime. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the [[glory]] of [[God]], and the advancement of his kingdom? Let the conversion of sinners, which is the [[joy]] of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.
'''Verses''' 5-11
Jonah went out of the city, yet remained near at hand, as if he expected and desired its overthrow. Those who have fretful, uneasy spirits, often make troubles for themselves, that they may still have something to complain of. See how tender [[God]] is of his people in their afflictions, even though they are foolish and froward. A thing small in itself, yet coming seasonably, may be a valuable blessing. A gourd in the right place may do us more service than a cedar. The least creatures may be great plagues, or great comforts, as [[God]] is pleased to make them. Persons of strong passions are apt to be cast down with any trifle that crosses them, or to be lifted up with a trifle that pleases them. See what our creature-comforts are, and what we may expect them to be; they are withering things. A small worm at the root destroys a large gourd: our gourds wither, and we know not what is the cause. Perhaps creature-comforts are continued to us, but are made bitter; the creature is continued, but the comfort is gone. [[God]] prepared a wind to make Jonah feel the want of the gourd. It is just that those who love to complain, should never be left without something to complain of. When afflicting providences take away relations, possessions, and enjoyments, we must not be angry at [[God]]. What should especially silence discontent, is, that when our gourd is gone, our [[God]] is not gone. Sin and [[death]] are very dreadful, yet Jonah, in his heat, makes light of both. One soul is of more value than the whole world; surely then one soul is of more value than many gourds: we should have more concern for our own and others' precious souls, than for the riches and enjoyments of this world. It is a great encouragement to [[hope]] we shall find [[mercy]] with the [[Lord]], that he is ready to show [[mercy]]. And murmurers shall be made to understand, that how willing soever they are to keep the Divine [[grace]] to themselves and those of their own way, there is one [[Lord]] over all, who is rich in [[mercy]] to all that call upon him. Do we wonder at the forbearance of [[God]] towards his perVerse servant? Let us study our own hearts and ways; let us not forget our own ingratitude and obstinacy; and let us be astonished at [[God]]'s patience towards us.
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[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Jonah]]
