Biblefaktor

Like Esther and Ruth, Jonah is a delightful short narrative by a master writer; its spiritual implications are powerful and obvious. You can easily read it at one sitting. As you read Jonah, notice the changes that the city of Nineveh goes through. Try also to trace the changes that occur in Jonah, and observe how God pushes him to make these changes. Then ask yourself; What did this book say to its original Jewish readers? What does it say to me? You may also be interested in following Nineveh’s entire history. Though the Ninevites repented in Jonah’s time, they latter returned to old patterns. Later prophets (Nahum and Zaphaniah) predicted Nineveh’s downfall for “endless cruelty” (Nahum 3 :19) and in 612 B.C. that city was destroyed, never to be inhabited again. A Bible dictionary can summarize Nineveh’s long history as a world power; look under “Assyria.” Is Jonah a “fish story”? Interpreters differ over whether it should be read as a parable (not necessarily factual) ...

The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah can easily be read and understood in one sitting. Many readers, however, have a hard time seeing the importance of this ongoing border feud between blood relatives. A bible dictionary can summarize the centuries of violence. Look under “Edom.” Perhaps, though, you can only fully appreciate Israel’s feelings by reflecting on your own when a close relative treats you cruelly. A family betrayal is uniquely offensive to God and humanity. Obadiah reminds us that justice will be done.