- Jonah is angry — very angry; does the first verse indicate why?
- In Jonah 4:2 Jonah lodges his complaint against Divinity — indicating that he knew what would happen were he to predict destruction for Ninveh — which was?
- But, why would knowing that God would forgive lead the prophet to ask that he himself be “taken” since it is better that he should die?
- Divinity (Jonah 4:4) asks the very same question — and is there an answer given thereto by Jonah?
- Is there any action by Jonah other than to leave the city and for what purpose?
- If Jonah was secure in his prediction of God’s forgiveness why the uncertainty “to see what would happen in the city”?
- The first Hebrew word in Jonah 4:6 is identical with a word utilized in Jonah 2 — it is the word “Vayeman” and has a particular implication in both cases — implying something unusual, and what was that in both instances?
- Jonah’s great joy at the kika’yon (the foliaged plant) would seem disproportionate to it or not?
- The joy of Jonah is short lived — why (Jonah 4:7)?
- Once again, Jonah’s reaction pendulums to the extreme and he asks that his life be taken — why?
- And, once again, what is God’s inquiry of Jonah (Jonah 4:9)?
- In Jonah 4:10 the lesson of the text would appear to be presented: is mercy, forgiveness, a weakness or a strength to exercise especially by those who are fulfilling God’s mission?
- What, then, would be the reasoned conclusion as to the Divine preference where the transgressor is concerned — punishment or forgiveness (if there is some basis for the latter)?
- Is this a God of vengeance or a God of forgiving?
- Jonah 4:11 indicates, further, that transgressive action on the part of those unaware (or largely unaware) of the nature of their acts must be dealt with in a way different from those who are — ?
- What is the answer that Jonah gives — and can he give any answer whatsoever?
- Jonah’s name means Dove; is every Dove a messenger of peace or can some be vultures?
