Jonah 4:6

So the LORD God appointed a vine, and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah's head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant.

Study Bible

So the LORD God appointed a vine
The phrase "appointed a vine" indicates divine intervention and control over nature, a recurring theme in the book of Jonah. The Hebrew word for "appointed" (מָנָה, manah) is used several times in Jonah, emphasizing God's sovereignty (Jonah 1:17, 4:7, 4:8). The vine, likely a castor oil plant or gourd, symbolizes God's provision and care, contrasting with Jonah's earlier disobedience. This act of God mirrors His earlier provision of the great fish, showing His continued involvement in Jonah's life.

and it grew up to provide shade over Jonah’s head
The rapid growth of the vine underscores the miraculous nature of God's provision. In the harsh climate of the Middle East, shade is a precious commodity, highlighting God's compassion even when Jonah is in a state of anger and discontent. This act of providing shade can be seen as a parallel to God's protection and care for Israel, offering relief and comfort in times of distress.

to ease his discomfort
Jonah's discomfort is both physical and spiritual. Physically, he is exposed to the harsh sun, but spiritually, he is in turmoil over God's mercy towards Nineveh. The vine serves as a temporary relief, symbolizing how God often provides comfort even when we are in rebellion or misunderstanding His plans. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's grace being extended to the undeserving.

and Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant
Jonah's pleasure in the plant reveals his self-centeredness and lack of understanding of God's broader purposes. His joy is short-lived and tied to his immediate comfort, contrasting with his displeasure at Nineveh's repentance. This highlights the human tendency to value personal comfort over divine compassion and mission. Jonah's reaction serves as a mirror to the reader, challenging them to consider their own responses to God's actions and priorities.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonah
A prophet of God who was initially reluctant to deliver God's message to Nineveh. In this chapter, he is outside the city, waiting to see what will happen to it.

2. The LORD God
The sovereign Creator who appoints the plant to provide Jonah with comfort, demonstrating His control over creation and His compassion.

3. The Plant
Appointed by God to provide shade for Jonah, symbolizing God's provision and mercy. The Hebrew word used here is (qiqayon), which is often translated as "gourd" or "vine."

4. Nineveh
The city to which Jonah was sent to prophesy. Its repentance led to God's mercy, which Jonah struggled to accept.

5. The East Wind and the Sun
Later in the chapter, God appoints a scorching east wind and the sun to beat down on Jonah, further illustrating His control over nature and His lessons for Jonah.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Provision
God is in control of all creation and uses it to fulfill His purposes. He provides for our needs, often in unexpected ways.

God's Compassion and Mercy
Just as God showed mercy to Nineveh, He also showed compassion to Jonah through the plant. We should reflect on God's mercy in our own lives.

Human Discontent and God's Lessons
Jonah's reaction to the plant reveals human tendencies toward discontent. God uses circumstances to teach us deeper truths about His character and our own hearts.

Temporary Comforts and Eternal Truths
The plant was a temporary comfort for Jonah, reminding us to seek eternal truths and not rely solely on temporary comforts.

Gratitude for God's Gifts
Jonah's pleasure in the plant should remind us to be grateful for God's gifts, recognizing them as expressions of His love and care.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonah's reaction to the plant reveal his heart attitude, and what can we learn from it about our own responses to God's provisions?

2. In what ways does God's appointment of the plant demonstrate His sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in Him during difficult times?

3. How does the account of Jonah and the plant challenge us to reflect on our own attitudes toward God's mercy and compassion, both for ourselves and others?

4. What are some "plants" or temporary comforts in your life that God has used to teach you about His character or your own heart?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provisions, both big and small, in our daily lives? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize thankfulness.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:11-12
God's creation of plants and His sovereignty over nature is echoed in His appointment of the plant for Jonah.

Matthew 6:30
Jesus speaks of God's care for the grass of the field, which parallels God's provision for Jonah through the plant.

Psalm 121:5-6
The Lord as a shade and protector, similar to how the plant provided shade for Jonah.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, reflecting the plant as a gift from God to Jonah.