Book of Jonah - Chapter 3 - Verse 1

When the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, it signifies the grace, patience, and mercy of God towards His disobedient servant. Despite Jonah's initial refusal to heed God's call to preach to the people of Nineveh, God does not give up on him. Instead, He gives Jonah a second chance to fulfill his mission and demonstrate his faithfulness to God's plan. This verse serves as a reminder of God's unfailing love and forgiveness, showing that no matter how we may have strayed or disobeyed in the past, God is always willing to give us another opportunity to make things right and serve Him faithfully. It also highlights the importance of repentance and obedience to God's will, as demonstrated by Jonah's eventual decision to carry out his mission and preach to the people of Nineveh, leading to their repentance and salvation.

From a theological perspective, the repetition of the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time" in the book of Jonah signifies God's relentless pursuit of His chosen prophet, despite Jonah's initial disobedience. This verse highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His determination to fulfill His purposes through His chosen vessels. The phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in communication as well as the importance of obedience to God's call. Additionally, this verse serves as a reminder of God's mercy and grace, giving Jonah another opportunity to carry out the mission he was initially given.