Devotional Commentary on Jonah 4
It was in the days of Ashurnasipal II (883-859
BCE)that the capital moved from Ashur on the west Tigris to the east Tigris at
Calnu or Calah or Nimrud which is just above the Upper Zab. This is still a distance from Niniveh
and Ashur. Now if Niniveh was three days large, then the whole region could
have been called originally Niniveh in that time so that where the King stayed
and where Jonah started was seen as the same central command. Sennacherib
complained that his ancestors neglected the upkeeping of Niniveh. So it was
also under their wing but they neglected it at times. There is no need to search for a weak
king that would just fall prey to Jonah’s God. Ashurnasirpal could have but
will it be reported in cuneiform what Jonah said when Jonah’s sermon did not
come to pass because God decided not to destroy the land? It will not. The era
of mass-deportations as policy started with Ashurnasirpal II and came to an end
with Sennacherib’s death (B. Oded 1979). People say, how can Niniveh be three
days large by walking when one look at archaeology? From Calnu to Niniveh is
quite a distance. Second point. Ask literature evangelists why it takes them
three days to do a small town selling books. These dictators of that area were very
scared what the gods may do or not do to them. They consulted magicians and
soothsayers to tell them what the future hold for them. They compiled special
texts, called “Hemerological Texts” that told the king for one year in advance
on a 30 day basis per month, in total 360 days per year, what he should eat or
not eat and what he should do to avoid tragedy. Sackcloth and fasting. God listened to them. He accepted
their plea.
Dear God Also from us comes the response that
we would like to do whatever You require to keep saved in Jesus Christ our
Substitute. We want to be worthy of the Price You paid for us. In Jesus Name.
Amen.