a3:5-6
b1:16
c2 Sam 1:12
dNeh 1:4
eGen 37:34
fJob 16:15
gLam 2:10
hMatt 12:41

‏ Jonah 3:5

Summary for Jonah 3:5-6: 3:5-6  a For the second time in this short book, pagans respond favorably to the Lord (cp. 1:16  b).

• In ancient Israel, fasting would often accompany prayer and repentance in times of distress (see 2 Sam 1:12  c; Neh 1:4  d). Wearing burlap and sitting on a heap of ashes would often accompany mourning and sorrowful repentance (see Gen 37:34  e; Job 16:15  f; Lam 2:10  g). The Assyrians apparently had similar customs. These activities allowed the participants to express their grief in a tangible way for all, including God, to see.

• The repentance of the Ninevites was an indictment against the hard-hearted in Jesus’ day (Matt 12:41  h).
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