Jonah 3

Jonah 3:1

CAme unto Jonah] This is a great declaration of God mercy, that he receiveth him againe, and sendeth him forth as his Prophet, which had before shewed so great infirmitie.

Jonah 3:3

an exceeding great citie] Heb. a great citie of God. For the Hebrews do extoll the greatnesse of things, by adding the name of God to their ordinary names: as Cedars of God, Psalms 80:10. mountains of God, Psalms 36:6. the wrestlings of God, Genesis 30:8.

three dayes journey] In circuit.

Jonah 3:4

into the citie a dayes journey] Not going on streight forward, but by pauses, and at times, going on from place to place, as his charge required.

Jonah 3:5

beleeved God] Matthew 12:41. Luke 11:32. His word preached by Jonah: for he declared that he was a Prophet sent to them from God to denounce his judgements against them.

Jonah 3:6

word came unto the king of Ninevh] The fast which the people had voluntarily undertaken to keep was also authorised, and enjoyned by the Kings command: who would also be partaker thereof.

and sat in ashes] Job 2:8.

Jonah 3:7

published] Heb. said.

nobles] Heb. great men.

nor beast] Not that the dumbe beast had sinned or could repent; but that by their example man might be astonished, considering that for his sinne the anger of God hanged over all creatures.

taste any thing] For a certain limited time, which likely was a whole day.

Jonah 3:8

man and beast be covered] According to the custome of those dayes, the beasts they used to ride upon, and imployed for carriage, were wont to be covered and trapped: but in time of mourning they took those ornaments off, and covered them with hair-cloth and ragged clothing.

crie mightily unto God] He willeth that the men should earnestly call unto God for mercy.

is in their hands] Whereof he is guilty, as if his hands were soiled therewith.

Jonah 3:9

Who can tell] Joel 2. 14.

will turn] Towards us in grace and mercy.

Jonah 3:10

their works] That is, the fruits of their repentance, which did proceed from their credence to the words of the Prophet.

God repented of the evil] By recalling his sentence, which was but conditionall, in his decree and mind; whereof he gave no notice by Jonah. See Genesis 6:6.