Comments on: Jonah - The Unforgiving?

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 21:37:52 +0000

Interesting thoughts Seth. It does seem that Jonah’s lust for vengeance was his worst characteristic. (But of course I agree with Ed that this tale is a satire and not a literal historical story.)

By: Seth R.

Seth R. — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 15:52:32 +0000

That’s what it seems like to me.

It brings to mind certain condemnations of adulterous Nephites - where it is emphasized that the Lamanites, because of their ignorance of The Law, are in better standing before God than the Nephites.

By: Bret

Bret — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 04:11:43 +0000

Chad,

I know you’re joking, but I think the Lord is referring “hand” as a symbol for the deeds we do. Perhaps in this instance the people of Nineveh did not know right from wrong.

By: Chad

Chad — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 04:05:55 +0000

“And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?”

What do you suppose the bit about the people that can’t discern between their right and left hands means? That the people are simple minded - or maybe they are incapable of making decent choices? I thought it was an interesting description.

As a full disclosure, I must have been absent during the kindergarten class for directions; left, right and so on. I always have trouble being a navigator when travelling somewhere. Interestlingly, this only applies when speaking English. I never had any problems with right and left, navigating, directions in taxis, or otherwise in Bulgaria on my mission.

By: Seth R.

Seth R. — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 01:04:29 +0000

I should note that Ed Snow also has a somewhat related post on this over at BCC.

By: Hal H.

Hal H. — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:45:04 +0000

I love the ‘pumpkin’ too. It serves to show that Jonah was all upset about the gourd - because it affected him - but cared nothing that many people - and cattle - were going to expire. Its really a great story depicting the natural selfishness of man. That is, everyone except for me.

By: a random John

a random John — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:11:32 +0000

I’ve always loved the bit about the pumpkin at the end. That must have been one fine pumpkin for him to get all upset about it.

By: Hal H.

Hal H. — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:46:00 +0000

And the reason the book of Jonah exists is so we can all grapple with the idea that we tend to have those same feelings that Jonah did, in some fashion toward someone. It is a common lot of the natural man. I love the last line: “and also much cattle.” It always makes me smile. I suppose the Lord is teaching us that all life is precious to him.

By: Seth R.

Seth R. — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 22:23:07 +0000

I think it also shows why it’s nice that we’re studying the Old Testament this year. It’s not a book that our people are all that well-versed in. When I mentioned this take on the story in class today, most of the class seemed surprised at the idea.

Like me, I think many of them had simply never taken the time to dissect what Jonah is really saying here.

By: BrianJ

BrianJ — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 20:25:44 +0000

“Now, perhaps this was glaringly obvious to many of you.”

That’s not important. Anyone who thinks they are going to read some new-for-the-world insight into the Old Testament today is probably deluded. The book has been around for centuries and has been studied by brilliant people who devote their entire lives to it. You might as well try to invent a new way to crack an egg.

The point and value of scripture is to bring something new to the reader. You’ve understood a valuable lesson and articulated some very good thoughts and you should be happy for that.