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Book of Jonah - Chapter 4 - Verse 2

4:2
And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

Meaning

Jonah 4:2 is a powerful verse that showcases the character of God as described by Jonah. In this verse, Jonah is reflecting on his decision to flee from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh. He acknowledges that he fled because he knew that God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, kind, and willing to relent from sending disaster. This verse highlights the compassion and forgiveness of God, even towards those who have strayed from His path. Jonah's words serve as a reminder of God's relentless love and constant willingness to show mercy to those who turn back to Him. It is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and His desire for all to come to repentance. As readers delve into this verse, they are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and to trust in His unfailing love.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jonah, we witness Jonah's prayer unto the LORD after being swallowed by a great fish. Through his prayer, Jonah reflects on his initial reluctance to obey God's command to go to Nineveh. He acknowledges that he fled to Tarshish because he knew God’s character - that He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, kind, and willing to relent from sending disaster. Jonah's prayer not only highlights his understanding of God's nature but also serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience in the face of God's will. It is a powerful example of repentance and submission to the Almighty. This verse invites us to ponder on our own relationship with God and the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty and mercy in our lives.

American Standard Version

And he prayed unto Jehovah, and said, I pray thee, O Jehovah, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hasted to flee unto Tarshish; for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
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