Post by Mark on Sept 26, 2009 5:49:44 GMT -8
Not much is known from Scripture about the prophet Jonah... and, no, he was not an asparagus who wore a monacle.
In 2nd Kings 14:25 we know that he lived in a place called Gath-hepher, which was known for its vineyards. It was in the lower region of the Galilee, about five miles from Nazareth.
Scholars suggest that the 2nd Kings account happened a number of years after Jonah's experience with the Ninevites. Most of the reasoning behind this is because it would have been an easier journey if he were a younger man. Yet, historically speaking it is nearly impossible to do any more than speculate.
Some Jewish stories suggest that Jonah was the boy that Elijah revived in 1st Kings 17:23.
As a student of the propeht Elisha, Jewish tradition tells that Jonah was sent to Jerusalem to foretell of their destruction during the reign of Jehu. When the people repented, Jonah's prophecy did not come to pass, thus he became known in Israel as "the false prophet" or "the empty prophet."
There are two views that explain Jonah's personal obscurity in Scripture. The first, and probably more common in Christian circles, is that Jonah was well known as the prophet of God and thus needed no introduction. Yet, Jewish records are surprisingly silent. It would seem that the fellow who could surivive in the depths of the seas by Adonai's grace would provide ample material for stories of Mishnah. Yet, Jewish antiquity just doesn't go there. On the other hand, it could be that Jonah was just a guy.
We get this notion in our heads that Adonai stands back at the Yeshiva or Seminary and chooses His servants from the brightest and most disciplined who graduate their school of theology with the highest marks. We assume that Adonai is limited in His use of His servants to those who are liscensed clergy with formal State sealed ordination papers. You need to read the Scriptures a little more closely. He uses little girls and donkeys and slaves and soldiers and farmers and vagabond lepers. He uses kings and priests and merchants and governors, too. He's God. He can do pretty much anything He wants. What's most important to understand is that He can use you and He can use me. And guess what? Based upon our knowledge of Jonah and his experiences, God doesn't have to ask our permission or get our approval to do so. In fact, even in our angst and rebellion, He somehow demonstrates His majesty, love, power and grace.
In 2nd Kings 14:25 we know that he lived in a place called Gath-hepher, which was known for its vineyards. It was in the lower region of the Galilee, about five miles from Nazareth.
Scholars suggest that the 2nd Kings account happened a number of years after Jonah's experience with the Ninevites. Most of the reasoning behind this is because it would have been an easier journey if he were a younger man. Yet, historically speaking it is nearly impossible to do any more than speculate.
Some Jewish stories suggest that Jonah was the boy that Elijah revived in 1st Kings 17:23.
As a student of the propeht Elisha, Jewish tradition tells that Jonah was sent to Jerusalem to foretell of their destruction during the reign of Jehu. When the people repented, Jonah's prophecy did not come to pass, thus he became known in Israel as "the false prophet" or "the empty prophet."
There are two views that explain Jonah's personal obscurity in Scripture. The first, and probably more common in Christian circles, is that Jonah was well known as the prophet of God and thus needed no introduction. Yet, Jewish records are surprisingly silent. It would seem that the fellow who could surivive in the depths of the seas by Adonai's grace would provide ample material for stories of Mishnah. Yet, Jewish antiquity just doesn't go there. On the other hand, it could be that Jonah was just a guy.
We get this notion in our heads that Adonai stands back at the Yeshiva or Seminary and chooses His servants from the brightest and most disciplined who graduate their school of theology with the highest marks. We assume that Adonai is limited in His use of His servants to those who are liscensed clergy with formal State sealed ordination papers. You need to read the Scriptures a little more closely. He uses little girls and donkeys and slaves and soldiers and farmers and vagabond lepers. He uses kings and priests and merchants and governors, too. He's God. He can do pretty much anything He wants. What's most important to understand is that He can use you and He can use me. And guess what? Based upon our knowledge of Jonah and his experiences, God doesn't have to ask our permission or get our approval to do so. In fact, even in our angst and rebellion, He somehow demonstrates His majesty, love, power and grace.
