Jonah
About this date: A prophet's narrative setting, ministry dates, and the composition history of the book bearing a prophetic name are related but distinct.
Prophet in the narrative of Nineveh and divine mercy.
Historical context
Prophetic books and narratives address covenant infidelity, injustice, worship, imperial crisis, judgment, and restoration. A traditional book title does not establish authorship of every passage.
Key points
- Prophet in the narrative of Nineveh and divine mercy.
- Primary reading: Jonah 1–4. Read the complete passage in its literary context.
- Read an oracle in its literary unit and historical horizon; a prophet's ministry and a book's final composition are distinct questions.
Scripture
- Jonah 1–4 — Principal biblical passage cluster for Jonah; check the summary against the complete text.
Sources and further reading
- USCCB introduction to Jonah
Literary and historical introduction; not independent verification of every narrated event.