College Press NIV Commentary: Minor Prophets, Volume 1

Top Highlights

“His death wish was based on a faulty attitude. Paul’s illustration of the potter and the clay makes the same point: God can do what he wants (Ps 115:3; 135:6). Our calling is not to question him but to decide whether we follow him (Rom 9:20–21).” (Page 359)

“Regardless of the nature of the fish and the length of time, these events, like the coming and calming of the storm, are the work of the Lord. While on the ship Jonah slept (1:5), but in the fish Jonah prayed.” (Page 347)

“The storm, sailors, and the fish are obedient to God. Chapter three takes up the obedience of the prophet.” (Page 350)

“Their promise to the Lord stands in contrast to Jonah’s refusal to obey him. They willingly seek out what he has intentionally rejected. God who calms the storm, showing his power over nature, also moves the sailors to fear and faith (as he will shortly do to the Ninevites), and finally stops the retreat of his prophet.” (Pages 344–345)

“The willingness of the Lord to restore his relationship with his people is reflected in changing the name. Both Romans 9:24–26 and 1 Peter 2:10 use this concept, with Paul quoting directly. Both NT writers underscore Hosea’s point that God willingly changes our status from ‘no people’ to ‘his people.’” (Page 46)