Psalm 62:5-12 / Jonah 3:1-5

Here is the rare chance to read from the Book of Jonah — Jonah 3:1-5.

This is a very short book, and is easily read in its entirety (so that you can find out more about the meaning of “Jonah and the whale”!).

The Book of Jonah is considered prophesy, though Jonah is never explicitly called a prophet. This is one of the surprising details in an often humorous poke at the stubbornness of Israel to do God’s reconciling work. One surprising detail in Jonah 3:1-5 is that a whole city of non-Jews repents! Why do you suppose this story is included in the Hebrew (and Christian) scriptures?

The name “Jonah” means “dove” in Hebrew. How can we be dove-like helpers in God’s healing, reconciling work in the world?