Jonah: Marveling at God's Mercy

Chapter three of Jonah describes God's patience and mercy as he gives Jonah a second chance at obeying His commands. Jonah finally obeyed God and proclaimed His message to the city of Ninevah. The message took root at the grassroots level - the people themselves responded to God's warning by believing, fasting and wearing sackcloth. Their faith was genuine and even impacted the king himself. The king's decree required that all citizens and beasts neglect the physical things and focus only on the spiritual. They were to call on God and turn from their sin, placing themselves at God's mercy. God was moved to compassion and withdrew His judgment as He saw their genuine repentance through their deeds.