Jonah

Question 1

Background of Jonah

Answer 1

No date is ventured for this book, since there is no evidence.
The genre of Jonah is a sensational, didactic, prophetic narrative.

Question 2

Jonah structure

Answer 2

1 The flight (cha 1: chiastic structure with narrative on ‘fearing’ in the center)
2 The psalm
3 The mission
4 The angry prophet

Question 3

Jonah Theme

Answer 3

*The word of God will not return void

A. Jonah’s Flight (Chap 1)
B. Jonah’s Psalm of Thanksgiving (Chap 2)
1. Introduction (v. 2).
2. First stanza: Lament of Jonah’s banishment from YHWH’s (vv 3-4).
3. A second stanza: descent into Sheol (5-7).
4. Conclusion: Renewal of Relationship (8-9)
C. Jonah’s Renewed Commission (Chap 3)
D. Jonah’s Anger (Chap 4)

Question 4

Jonah’s flight (ch 1)

Answer 4

A (4-5a) Narrative, and sailors’ response of fear
B (5b) The sailors’ prayer
C (5c-6a) Narrative, with Sailors at center
D (6b) Captain’s speech
E (7a) Sailors’ speech
F (7b) Narrative displaying sailors’ mood
G (8) Sailors’ question
H (9-10a) Narrative on “fearing”
G′ (10b) Sailors’ question
F′ (10c) Narrative displaying sailors’ mood
E′ (11) Sailors’ speech
D′ (12) Jonah’s speech
C′ (13) Narrative, with sailors at center
B′ (14) The sailors’ prayer
A′ (15-16a) Narrative, and sailors’ response of fear