This is one of the many interesting stories in the Bible. There are lots of valuable lessons that ought to be learnt from Jonah!
Prophet Jonah was commanded by the Lord to instruct people of Nineveh. Lord spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh… (Jonah 1:2). He was assigned the task of warning Ninevites to repent from their worldly ways and turn toward the Lord.
Jonah was scared to face the wicked people of Nineveh and feared that they would harm him. So instead of going to Nineveh he boarded a ship that was bound to Tarshish. It was clear act of disobedience from what he was told to do. He was glad that he had cleverly relieved himself from the tough task assigned to him. He peacefully settled in the ship at the lowest berth.
However, his peace did not last long. There was a huge storm that tossed the ship wildly. All of the sailors on board were frightened and did not know how to act. While one wise man predicted that it might be the act of God. They were soon involved in the act of finding out the one who was responsible and began casting lots. Jonah was singled out and he had to admit his fault.
He volunteered to be thrown into the sea. Sailors did as he requested and there was a big whale waiting for Jonah. Jonah was safely swallowed by the whale and remained there for three days in the belly of the fish. He confessed his sin and prayed sincerely. On the third day the whale threw up Jonah very much alive on the shores of Nineveh, where he preached the word of God. Surprisingly the people turned their hearts toward God and saved themselves from the wrath of God!
