Book of Jonah

Q.What is the book of Jonah about?

A. The main theme of the book is related to last weeks article about true stewardship. THis book involves a basic understanding of prophecy and the history of Israel and we can't go into too much detail here, but the overall idea will be discussed. Anciently, Jonah was seen as Israel. They had a commission to go out to the Gentiles, but "ran" from it. They wwere cast into the "sea" of the nations, encounter the sea monster known as Leviathan in the scriptures.

Eventually. they were "resurrected" and "vomited" back onto dry land, the land of Israel. Again, the commission to reach the Gentiles still stood , and although not perfected yet, will fulfill their original commission. Let's look into this a little deeper. Jonah means "dove" and this is the symbol of Israel on Song of Songs. His father is Amittai which means "truth" and Israels "father" was the Torah that was to instruct them. He goes "down" spiritually to Joppa and tries to run from his commission to the Gentiles where he encounters a great storm, which means troubled times. The sea was seen as the world and the domain of a creature called Leviathan, or twisted serpent.

Then he is "swallowed" by Leviathan, who is a picture of the False Messiah, and at least the world system. After he "dies" to himself he is resurrected (Ezek 37) from among the nations, or Leviathan, onto dry land which is seen as the land of Israel, alive but not perfect yet. He is told to arise a second time to fulfill his commission to the Gentiles, and Israel has this call today and we know it will be fulfilled in the Tribulation period. This commission has never been withdrawn and never will be. Jonah still has some attitude problems as we see in the last chapter when he is more upset over a shade plant dying then the repentance of the people.

This concept is played out again in the story of Peter in Acts 10. Peter again symbolizes Israel. He is the physical son of a man named Jonah (Mt 16.17) and he is in Joppa, where Jonah was. He receives the commission to go the house of the Gentile Cornelius and preach repentance. He is reluctant at first, but goes and the household is saved and Peter knows that anyone who comes to the L-rd, whether Jew or Gentile, is delivered without partiality (Acts 10.34-35). We see this commission in Mt.28.19-20 when Yeshua tells the Jewish talmidim (students) of His to go into all the world(nations) and teach them about the Kingdo, and to make them students as well.

That is our commission today at Olive Tree Ministries and we invite anyone who fears G-d and does what is right (keeps the commandments) to come study with us (Acts 10.34-35). Contact us at OTMIN@sbcglobal.net or 972-937-9478 if you want more information.