The Great Story Of Jonah

[Traveler]

The Book of Mormon talks about plain and precious truths lost in the Bible. Most of us have heard the story of Jonah. At least we think we have heard the story of Jonah and the whale. But that is not the story. Mostly this story has been told incorrectly. Therefore I offer another version:

Jonah was commanded to go cry repentance to the people of Nineveh. Anciently this city was involved in trade and was set a great deal inland on the Tigris river. The kingdom of Israel never included this city within it’s borders. We are not told what great sin was going on in Nineveh but we are lead to understand that it was of such a nature that G-d was going to destroy the city and wipe it off the face of the earth if the city did not repent and stop their great evil. One might wonder “Why Nineveh”? What was the great evil? In all of history how many cities were so evil that G-d caused them to be destroyed is such a manner. The only other such parallel I know of is the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When we finish the story we will see the similarities of Nineveh to Sodom and Gomorrah and we will have a new view as to why Nineveh was preserved. The reason may surprise you.

So G-d commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. But Jonah was no dummy. He knew that Nineveh was not only sinful but that they would kill him if he pointed out that their sin was evil before G-d. Therefore Jonah headed for Tarshish which is a port city in the country where Spain is today. The furthest city away from Israel, Nineveh, and G-d, that Jonah could think of. To get to Tarshish he goes to Joppa. Joppa is the main port of Israel on the Mediterranean not far from Jerusalem.

Somewhere on the Mediterranean a storm comes up and Jonah realizes he has put everyone at risk on the ship and lets them know. We all know the part of Jonah getting thrown overboard and a big fish (whale) comes and swallows him. This is where the story gets a little fishy. :) How does Jonah and the fish get to Nineveh? The only water route (means by which a fish can travel) will take them around Africa to the Persian Gulf and up the Tigris river. This is not possible. Not in 3 days and 3 nights even with a modern sub that is the fasting transport ever in the oceans.

Jonah ends up on the beach near Nineveh and takes 3 days to walk into the center of the city. This is a big city. He gets to the center and tells everyone to repent and a very wired thing happens - they repent. Think about this for a minute. Here is a city so wicked G-d is going to destroy it and Jonah tells them to repent and everybody repents. No hassle, no complaining, no excuses, no back talking no nothing just everybody repenting! Something is missing from this story.

Jonah was not just swallowed up by the fish, he was eaten and digested. When he was deposited on the beach near Nineveh he was a dead corps. The people that saw this were horrified by the gore of the corps. But what happened next was far more horrifying. The flesh started to return to the bones and then skin and then the dead corps stood up having become alive and started walking into the city. Messengers ran immediately to the king and informed him what just happened. The king dispatched several of his personal guard to follow Jonah to see what he was up to. The entire city stopped everything they were doing and were scared to death of Jonah. Jonah tells them if 40 days G-d will destroy them if they do not repent.

No one dares counter a corps from the dead. When the king is told he issues a proclamation that anyone that continues the sinning will be put to death. Again no one objects out of fear. Not out of fear of the king out of fear on Jonah - the living corps.

Jonah realizes that the people are more scared than repentant and when G-d does not destroy the city he does not understand. Indeed Jonah has a legitimate question. Why did G-d go to such extremes for the city of Nineveh? G-d answers Jonah in the last verse of the scripture of Jonah in perhaps the greatest lesson society can learn. Jonah 4:11 “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;”

Allow me to explain. G-d caused Nineveh to repent in dramatic fashion for the sake of more than 120,000 children (children being persons so young they cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand). It was all for the children. G-d knew all along what he was doing. And this is the great clue to the sin of Nineveh - They sought pleasures and neglected their children. This epoch should not be called Jonah and the whale or fish it should be called - repent for the sake of the children that G-d loves or be destroyed.

The Traveler

[Blessed]

I am gonna chew on this a while... interesting.

[john doe]

Please tell me, what texts have you been studying that indicate this idea that Jonah was digested by the fish? And you still didn't address the three days travel in the whale. Did the fish travel faster than normal after he ate Jonah?

If you don't want to call it Jonah and the whale, I suggest we call it Dawn of the Dead. Your version is certainly more viable as special-effects movie than the bible version, but I just don't know that that makes it more real.

[Guest curvette]

Originally posted by Traveler@Dec 4 2004, 03:46 PM

The Book of Mormon talks about plain and precious truths lost in the Bible. Most of us have heard the story of Jonah. At least we think we have heard the story of Jonah and the whale. But that is not the story. Mostly this story has been told incorrectly. Therefore I offer another version:

Jonah was commanded to go cry repentance to the people of Nineveh. Anciently this city was involved in trade and was set a great deal inland on the Tigris river. The kingdom of Israel never included this city within it’s borders. We are not told what great sin was going on in Nineveh but we are lead to understand that it was of such a nature that G-d was going to destroy the city and wipe it off the face of the earth if the city did not repent and stop their great evil. One might wonder “Why Nineveh”? What was the great evil? In all of history how many cities were so evil that G-d caused them to be destroyed is such a manner. The only other such parallel I know of is the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When we finish the story we will see the similarities of Nineveh to Sodom and Gomorrah and we will have a new view as to why Nineveh was preserved. The reason may surprise you.

So G-d commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. But Jonah was no dummy. He knew that Nineveh was not only sinful but that they would kill him if he pointed out that their sin was evil before G-d. Therefore Jonah headed for Tarshish which is a port city in the country where Spain is today. The furthest city away from Israel, Nineveh, and G-d, that Jonah could think of. To get to Tarshish he goes to Joppa. Joppa is the main port of Israel on the Mediterranean not far from Jerusalem.

Somewhere on the Mediterranean a storm comes up and Jonah realizes he has put everyone at risk on the ship and lets them know. We all know the part of Jonah getting thrown overboard and a big fish (whale) comes and swallows him. This is where the story gets a little fishy. :) How does Jonah and the fish get to Nineveh? The only water route (means by which a fish can travel) will take them around Africa to the Persian Gulf and up the Tigris river. This is not possible. Not in 3 days and 3 nights even with a modern sub that is the fasting transport ever in the oceans.

Jonah ends up on the beach near Nineveh and takes 3 days to walk into the center of the city. This is a big city. He gets to the center and tells everyone to repent and a very wired thing happens - they repent. Think about this for a minute. Here is a city so wicked G-d is going to destroy it and Jonah tells them to repent and everybody repents. No hassle, no complaining, no excuses, no back talking no nothing just everybody repenting! Something is missing from this story.

Jonah was not just swallowed up by the fish, he was eaten and digested. When he was deposited on the beach near Nineveh he was a dead corps. The people that saw this were horrified by the gore of the corps. But what happened next was far more horrifying. The flesh started to return to the bones and then skin and then the dead corps stood up having become alive and started walking into the city. Messengers ran immediately to the king and informed him what just happened. The king dispatched several of his personal guard to follow Jonah to see what he was up to. The entire city stopped everything they were doing and were scared to death of Jonah. Jonah tells them if 40 days G-d will destroy them if they do not repent.

No one dares counter a corps from the dead. When the king is told he issues a proclamation that anyone that continues the sinning will be put to death. Again no one objects out of fear. Not out of fear of the king out of fear on Jonah - the living corps.

Jonah realizes that the people are more scared than repentant and when G-d does not destroy the city he does not understand. Indeed Jonah has a legitimate question. Why did G-d go to such extremes for the city of Nineveh? G-d answers Jonah in the last verse of the scripture of Jonah in perhaps the greatest lesson society can learn. Jonah 4:11 “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;”

Allow me to explain. G-d caused Nineveh to repent in dramatic fashion for the sake of more than 120,000 children (children being persons so young they cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand). It was all for the children. G-d knew all along what he was doing. And this is the great clue to the sin of Nineveh - They sought pleasures and neglected their children. This epoch should not be called Jonah and the whale or fish it should be called - repent for the sake of the children that G-d loves or be destroyed.

The Traveler

Oh whew! I thought you were going to conclude that the sin of Nineveh was homosexuality. (where the heck do you get this stuff?)

[Traveler]

Originally posted by john doe@Dec 4 2004, 10:13 PM

Please tell me, what texts have you been studying that indicate this idea that Jonah was digested by the fish? And you still didn't address the three days travel in the whale. Did the fish travel faster than normal after he ate Jonah?

If you don't want to call it Jonah and the whale, I suggest we call it Dawn of the Dead. Your version is certainly more viable as special-effects movie than the bible version, but I just don't know that that makes it more real.

Can you give me any other example of when wicked people have repented without someone questing if it is really necessary. Something convinced them and I offered my version of what that something was. In addition read Matt 12:38-41 and tell me what is the "sign of the prophet Jonas" as spoken by Jesus? I submit to you that it was his return from the dead.

As far as how the whale or fish got Jonah to Nineveh - I have no idea and as I have inplied in my previous post, it is a fact overlooked by any commentary I have seen concerning the Bible. And the Bible gives us no clue.

The Traveler

[Traveler]

Originally posted by curvette@Dec 4 2004, 10:47 PM

Oh whew! I thought you were going to conclude that the sin of Nineveh was homosexuality. (where the heck do you get this stuff?)

I do not look anywhere near heck for my answers

The Traveler

[Amillia]

Originally posted by Traveler@Dec 4 2004, 04:46 PM

The Book of Mormon talks about plain and precious truths lost in the Bible. Most of us have heard the story of Jonah. At least we think we have heard the story of Jonah and the whale. But that is not the story. Mostly this story has been told incorrectly. Therefore I offer another version:

Jonah was commanded to go cry repentance to the people of Nineveh. Anciently this city was involved in trade and was set a great deal inland on the Tigris river. The kingdom of Israel never included this city within it’s borders. We are not told what great sin was going on in Nineveh but we are lead to understand that it was of such a nature that G-d was going to destroy the city and wipe it off the face of the earth if the city did not repent and stop their great evil. One might wonder “Why Nineveh”? What was the great evil? In all of history how many cities were so evil that G-d caused them to be destroyed is such a manner. The only other such parallel I know of is the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When we finish the story we will see the similarities of Nineveh to Sodom and Gomorrah and we will have a new view as to why Nineveh was preserved. The reason may surprise you.

So G-d commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. But Jonah was no dummy. He knew that Nineveh was not only sinful but that they would kill him if he pointed out that their sin was evil before G-d. Therefore Jonah headed for Tarshish which is a port city in the country where Spain is today. The furthest city away from Israel, Nineveh, and G-d, that Jonah could think of. To get to Tarshish he goes to Joppa. Joppa is the main port of Israel on the Mediterranean not far from Jerusalem.

Somewhere on the Mediterranean a storm comes up and Jonah realizes he has put everyone at risk on the ship and lets them know. We all know the part of Jonah getting thrown overboard and a big fish (whale) comes and swallows him. This is where the story gets a little fishy. :) How does Jonah and the fish get to Nineveh? The only water route (means by which a fish can travel) will take them around Africa to the Persian Gulf and up the Tigris river. This is not possible. Not in 3 days and 3 nights even with a modern sub that is the fasting transport ever in the oceans.

Jonah ends up on the beach near Nineveh and takes 3 days to walk into the center of the city. This is a big city. He gets to the center and tells everyone to repent and a very wired thing happens - they repent. Think about this for a minute. Here is a city so wicked G-d is going to destroy it and Jonah tells them to repent and everybody repents. No hassle, no complaining, no excuses, no back talking no nothing just everybody repenting! Something is missing from this story.

Jonah was not just swallowed up by the fish, he was eaten and digested. When he was deposited on the beach near Nineveh he was a dead corps. The people that saw this were horrified by the gore of the corps. But what happened next was far more horrifying. The flesh started to return to the bones and then skin and then the dead corps stood up having become alive and started walking into the city. Messengers ran immediately to the king and informed him what just happened. The king dispatched several of his personal guard to follow Jonah to see what he was up to. The entire city stopped everything they were doing and were scared to death of Jonah. Jonah tells them if 40 days G-d will destroy them if they do not repent.

No one dares counter a corps from the dead. When the king is told he issues a proclamation that anyone that continues the sinning will be put to death. Again no one objects out of fear. Not out of fear of the king out of fear on Jonah - the living corps.

Jonah realizes that the people are more scared than repentant and when G-d does not destroy the city he does not understand. Indeed Jonah has a legitimate question. Why did G-d go to such extremes for the city of Nineveh? G-d answers Jonah in the last verse of the scripture of Jonah in perhaps the greatest lesson society can learn. Jonah 4:11 “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;”

Allow me to explain. G-d caused Nineveh to repent in dramatic fashion for the sake of more than 120,000 children (children being persons so young they cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand). It was all for the children. G-d knew all along what he was doing. And this is the great clue to the sin of Nineveh - They sought pleasures and neglected their children. This epoch should not be called Jonah and the whale or fish it should be called - repent for the sake of the children that G-d loves or be destroyed.

The Traveler

We need a Jonah today, don't we?

[Guest curvette]

Originally posted by Traveler@Dec 5 2004, 04:50 PM

In addition read Matt 12:38-41 and tell me what is the "sign of the prophet Jonas" as spoken by Jesus?

Being swallowed whole by a big fish and barfed up alive seems like "sign" enough to me! :)

[john doe]

I offered my version of what that something was.

Ok, so you made the whole story up. Why didn't you say so instead of pushing your idea as being legit on some level? Do you have any other "alternate" ideas on how the things in the B-b-e "really" happened? I would be interested in reading your version of the life and times of M-s-s.

[Traveler]

Originally posted by john doe@Dec 6 2004, 07:29 PM

I offered my version of what that something was.

Ok, so you made the whole story up. Why didn't you say so instead of pushing your idea as being legit on some level? Do you have any other "alternate" ideas on how the things in the B-b-e "really" happened? I would be interested in reading your version of the life and times of M-s-s.

A version, impression or understanding has a different connotation than “made up”. I offered the most reasonable and logical deduction of the manner in which Nineveh accepted harsh criticism. Note that no one, including yourself has offer and more logical explanation that explains the odd events we encounter in the story of Jonah.

I also believe that all things in scripture have a type and shadow in an ever reoccurring cycle of events. (See Ecclesiastes 1:9-11) In the case of Jonah, there is a type and shadow with the death and resurrection of the Christ as explained by Jesus in Matthew.

As per your question concerning Moses. We have more types and shadows concerning the coming of Christ and the events and process of the covenant children of the L-rd being delivered from the bondage of worldliness. In fact if you have “eyes that can see” and “ears that can hear” you can understand your own Exodus struggles to a spiritual “promised land”. You will note that I placed in quotes terms and phrases that have direct meaning concerning a covenant or contract with G-d. These are not mystical or transcendental concepts but clear ancient legal conventual terms that were common in ancient Near Eastern societies and culture. You may also note that I do not spell out completely certain terms that were not spelled out in actual ancient text. Not only did the ancients understand sacred things according to covenant, they reflected their understanding in the manner in which they wrote concerning sacred subjects. It is rare for me to encounter a Christian (LDS or otherwise) that understands these things. Therefore I know by type and shadow the depth in which those that have entered into covenant with G-d are faithful.

The Traveler

[john doe]

L--k, Tr-v, -f y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- -lt-rn-t-s t- th- B-bl- st-r--s, j-st s-y s-. Y-- d-n't n--d t- B.S. m- -nd -ct -ll s-p-r-or by b-ckh-nd-dly c-ll-ng m- d-mb j-st b-c--s- y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- st-r--s t- t-ll y-t.

[Amillia]

Originally posted by john doe@Dec 6 2004, 11:38 PM

L--k, Tr-v, -f y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- -lt-rn-t-s t- th- B-bl- st-r--s, j-st s-y s-. Y-- d-n't n--d t- B.S. m- -nd -ct -ll s-p-r-or by b-ckh-nd-dly c-ll-ng m- d-mb j-st b-c--s- y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- st-r--s t- t-ll y-t.

You are such a jerk. Do you have a brain?

[Amillia]

Originally posted by Traveler+Dec 6 2004, 10:30 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Traveler @ Dec 6 2004, 10:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--john doe@Dec 6 2004, 07:29 PM

I offered my version of what that something was.

Ok, so you made the whole story up. Why didn't you say so instead of pushing your idea as being legit on some level? Do you have any other "alternate" ideas on how the things in the B-b-e "really" happened? I would be interested in reading your version of the life and times of M-s-s.

A version, impression or understanding has a different connotation than “made up”. I offered the most reasonable and logical deduction of the manner in which Nineveh accepted harsh criticism. Note that no one, including yourself has offer and more logical explanation that explains the odd events we encounter in the story of Jonah.

I also believe that all things in scripture have a type and shadow in an ever reoccurring cycle of events. (See Ecclesiastes 1:9-11) In the case of Jonah, there is a type and shadow with the death and resurrection of the Christ as explained by Jesus in Matthew.

As per your question concerning Moses. We have more types and shadows concerning the coming of Christ and the events and process of the covenant children of the L-rd being delivered from the bondage of worldliness. In fact if you have “eyes that can see” and “ears that can hear” you can understand your own Exodus struggles to a spiritual “promised land”. You will note that I placed in quotes terms and phrases that have direct meaning concerning a covenant or contract with G-d. These are not mystical or transcendental concepts but clear ancient legal conventual terms that were common in ancient Near Eastern societies and culture. You may also note that I do not spell out completely certain terms that were not spelled out in actual ancient text. Not only did the ancients understand sacred things according to covenant, they reflected their understanding in the manner in which they wrote concerning sacred subjects. It is rare for me to encounter a Christian (LDS or otherwise) that understands these things. Therefore I know by type and shadow the depth in which those that have entered into covenant with G-d are faithful.

The Traveler

You certainly make the intelligent people think, which also, unfortunately, makes the stupid ones blather.

Keep it going, I, for one, like to be brought to a deeper level of understanding and thought.

[Setheus]

Originally posted by john doe@Dec 6 2004, 10:38 PM

L--k, Tr-v, -f y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- -lt-rn-t-s t- th- B-bl- st-r--s, j-st s-y s-. Y-- d-n't n--d t- B.S. m- -nd -ct -ll s-p-r-or by b-ckh-nd-dly c-ll-ng m- d-mb j-st b-c--s- y-- d-n't h-v- -ny m-r- st-r--s t- t-ll y-t.

By writing his post in this fashion he has shown to us that subconsciously he doesn't have the G_tts to say what he means openly. He is a chicken and he is only upset that he didn't have a better theory into the story of Mr. J and the whale.

[john doe]

Oh, so now we're playing "make up your own version of the Bible story"? How about we come to a conclusion about how things we don't understand may have happened by using deductive reasoning instead of just making up B.S. just to spice things up? And you want to start calling names and insulting again Peace? Grow up.

Seth: I didn't catch the intro part of Tr-v's post that stated this was a Make-believe thread. Sorry, Tr-v, I won't intrude on your thread anymore.

[Traveler]

Originally posted by john doe@Dec 7 2004, 09:59 PM

Oh, so now we're playing "make up your own version of the Bible story"? How about we come to a conclusion about how things we don't understand may have happened by using deductive reasoning instead of just making up B.S. just to spice things up? And you want to start calling names and insulting again Peace? Grow up.

Seth: I didn't catch the intro part of Tr-v's post that stated this was a Make-believe thread. Sorry, Tr-v, I won't intrude on your thread anymore.

I have been confused by your posts. I am confused concerning if your interest in my input to the epoch of Jonah was genuine or if you were "making up" what you wanted concerning my efforts - others may of had this impression as well. I attempted to treat each of your posts with respect until it appeared you did not care to have your post understood and even then I treated it with respect and honored what I thought was your intention do not be read or understood.

I am still not sure if you wished to add something of value to my opinion and careful consideration of the sacred scripture or if you were offended by my opinion.

The main point I believe you missed is that I believe Jonah suffered death and was brought back to life as a type and shadow of the death and ressurection of the Christ. I am uncertain if you believe in Christ and his death and ressurection and if this has a spiritual inpact on you faith and understanding of scripture or not; or if you are offended by such a reference - this has not been clear.

I do assmume that if you believe in the Christ you will demonstrate how others should honor what is sacred to you by honoring what is sacred to them as part of the covenant most Christians call the "Golden rule".

If you have something to add and you are a Christian I assume you with demonstrate your faith and understanding of the Christ in the manner and spirit you that you post.

The Traveler

[Snow]

Originally posted by Traveler@Dec 4 2004, 02:46 PM

Jonah was not just swallowed up by the fish, he was eaten and digested. When he was deposited on the beach near Nineveh he was a dead corps. The people that saw this were horrified by the gore of the corps. But what happened next was far more horrifying. The flesh started to return to the bones and then skin and then the dead corps stood up having become alive and started walking into the city. Messengers ran immediately to the king and informed him what just happened. The king dispatched several of his personal guard to follow Jonah to see what he was up to. The entire city stopped everything they were doing and were scared to death of Jonah.

Uh, yeah.

I just got the reference source on that: The National Enquirer, July 27, page 37, right next to the story, Mutant Transvestite Alien Dentists Broke Into My Home and Fixed My Teeth While I Was Sleeping.

[john doe]

Snow, that was uncalled for. Tr-v was very serious about his made-up story and you stooped to mock his ideas about how it REALLY went down. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Sorry, Tr-v, I know I said I wouldn't intrude on your make-believe thread anymore, but I thought I should try to correct those who have crossed the line here, to help them see the errors of their ways. It won't happen again.

Today.

[Amillia]

I have been confused by your posts. I am confused concerning if your interest in my input to the epoch of Jonah was genuine or if you were "making up" what you wanted concerning my efforts - others may of had this impression as well. I attempted to treat each of your posts with respect until it appeared you did not care to have your post understood and even then I treated it with respect and honored what I thought was your intention do not be read or understood.

I am still not sure if you wished to add something of value to my opinion and careful consideration of the sacred scripture or if you were offended by my opinion.

Traveler, you should have been here long enough to know that JD doesn't contribute intelligently, or with any real educated insights. It is all blather from an empty well.

You, on the other hand, keep our minds working, and our hearts gladdened with all you put into your posts. :)

[shanstress70]

With all due respect, may I say that it's not intellectual - it's something he made up. If I make up a story, would you say that I'm intellectual? I can tell some good stories... just ask my son... I tell him one while tucking him into bed each night. He loves 'em!

[Setheus]

yah, but your stories make us go "oh, that was cute"

Traveler's stories make us go "hmmm, he has a good point"

[shanstress70]

Originally posted by Setheus@Dec 10 2004, 02:58 PM

yah, but your stories make us go "oh, that was cute"

Traveler's stories make us go "hmmm, he has a good point"

Correction: Make SOME of us go, "hmmm, he has a good point".

[john doe]

Traveler, you should have been here long enough to know that JD doesn't contribute intelligently, or with any real educated insights. It is all blather from an empty well.

Thanks, Peace. Good to know you haven't changed. And way to go personal so quickly.

And Seth, you don't ACTUALLY believe that's the way the Jonah story went down, do you? It was a made-up story with no basis in fact or ancient religious tradition, with one person's opinion about how it should have been written to make it more believeable to himself. If you really went "Hmmmm, good point", I can get you some prime beach front property in beautiful Rachel, Nevada cheap. Buy now before the prices go up when California falls into the ocean with the Big One.

[Setheus]

Originally posted by shanstress70+Dec 11 2004, 07:43 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (shanstress70 @ Dec 11 2004, 07:43 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Setheus@Dec 10 2004, 02:58 PM

yah, but your stories make us go "oh, that was cute"

Traveler's stories make us go "hmmm, he has a good point"

Correction: Make SOME of us go, "hmmm, he has a good point".

[Cal]

Originally posted by Traveler@Dec 4 2004, 03:46 PM

The Book of Mormon talks about plain and precious truths lost in the Bible. Most of us have heard the story of Jonah. At least we think we have heard the story of Jonah and the whale. But that is not the story. Mostly this story has been told incorrectly. Therefore I offer another version:

Jonah was commanded to go cry repentance to the people of Nineveh. Anciently this city was involved in trade and was set a great deal inland on the Tigris river. The kingdom of Israel never included this city within it’s borders. We are not told what great sin was going on in Nineveh but we are lead to understand that it was of such a nature that G-d was going to destroy the city and wipe it off the face of the earth if the city did not repent and stop their great evil. One might wonder “Why Nineveh”? What was the great evil? In all of history how many cities were so evil that G-d caused them to be destroyed is such a manner. The only other such parallel I know of is the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. When we finish the story we will see the similarities of Nineveh to Sodom and Gomorrah and we will have a new view as to why Nineveh was preserved. The reason may surprise you.

So G-d commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh. But Jonah was no dummy. He knew that Nineveh was not only sinful but that they would kill him if he pointed out that their sin was evil before G-d. Therefore Jonah headed for Tarshish which is a port city in the country where Spain is today. The furthest city away from Israel, Nineveh, and G-d, that Jonah could think of. To get to Tarshish he goes to Joppa. Joppa is the main port of Israel on the Mediterranean not far from Jerusalem.

Somewhere on the Mediterranean a storm comes up and Jonah realizes he has put everyone at risk on the ship and lets them know. We all know the part of Jonah getting thrown overboard and a big fish (whale) comes and swallows him. This is where the story gets a little fishy. :) How does Jonah and the fish get to Nineveh? The only water route (means by which a fish can travel) will take them around Africa to the Persian Gulf and up the Tigris river. This is not possible. Not in 3 days and 3 nights even with a modern sub that is the fasting transport ever in the oceans.

Jonah ends up on the beach near Nineveh and takes 3 days to walk into the center of the city. This is a big city. He gets to the center and tells everyone to repent and a very wired thing happens - they repent. Think about this for a minute. Here is a city so wicked G-d is going to destroy it and Jonah tells them to repent and everybody repents. No hassle, no complaining, no excuses, no back talking no nothing just everybody repenting! Something is missing from this story.

Jonah was not just swallowed up by the fish, he was eaten and digested. When he was deposited on the beach near Nineveh he was a dead corps. The people that saw this were horrified by the gore of the corps. But what happened next was far more horrifying. The flesh started to return to the bones and then skin and then the dead corps stood up having become alive and started walking into the city. Messengers ran immediately to the king and informed him what just happened. The king dispatched several of his personal guard to follow Jonah to see what he was up to. The entire city stopped everything they were doing and were scared to death of Jonah. Jonah tells them if 40 days G-d will destroy them if they do not repent.

No one dares counter a corps from the dead. When the king is told he issues a proclamation that anyone that continues the sinning will be put to death. Again no one objects out of fear. Not out of fear of the king out of fear on Jonah - the living corps.

Jonah realizes that the people are more scared than repentant and when G-d does not destroy the city he does not understand. Indeed Jonah has a legitimate question. Why did G-d go to such extremes for the city of Nineveh? G-d answers Jonah in the last verse of the scripture of Jonah in perhaps the greatest lesson society can learn. Jonah 4:11 “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;”

Allow me to explain. G-d caused Nineveh to repent in dramatic fashion for the sake of more than 120,000 children (children being persons so young they cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand). It was all for the children. G-d knew all along what he was doing. And this is the great clue to the sin of Nineveh - They sought pleasures and neglected their children. This epoch should not be called Jonah and the whale or fish it should be called - repent for the sake of the children that G-d loves or be destroyed.

The Traveler

This is not possible. Not in 3 days and 3 nights even with a modern sub that is the fasting transport ever in the oceans.

Not possible? You are talking about events in the Old Testament and are worried about what is not possible?