Jonah

Getting pedicures on a girls’ day out

Commentator Matthew Henry on Jonah 4:5-11; in which the wayward prophet Jonah settles down in the shade outside Nineveh, hoping to watch that city’s downfall, and thereafter becomes irate not only at God’s mercy on the repentant Ninevites, but at the scorching weather and the death of the gourd plant which shaded him:

Those who have fretful, uneasy spirits, often make troubles for themselves, that they may still have something to complain of…It is just that those who love to complain, should never be left without something to complain of…

One soul is of more value than the whole world; surely then one soul is of more value than many gourds: we should have more concern for our own and others’ precious souls, than for the riches and enjoyments of this world.  

It is a great encouragement to hope we shall find mercy with the Lord, that He is ready to show mercy…Do we wonder at the forbearance of God towards His perverse servant [Jonah]?  Let us study our own hearts and ways; let us not forget our own ingratitude and obstinacy; and let us be astonished at God’s patience towards us.