Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of Jonah's Gourd

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of Jonah's Gourd ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Jonah's gourd is found in the Book of Jonah, specifically in Jonah 4:6-10. This narrative is a significant part of the larger account of Jonah, a prophet called by God to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. The episode of the gourd occurs after Jonah has delivered God's message and witnessed the city's repentance, which leads to God's mercy and the sparing of Nineveh from destruction.

Context and Setting

After Jonah's mission in Nineveh, he becomes displeased with God's decision to spare the city. Seeking solitude, Jonah leaves the city and sets up a shelter east of Nineveh, where he waits to see what will become of the city (Jonah 4:5). It is in this setting that the miracle of the gourd takes place.

The Miracle of the Gourd

In Jonah 4:6, the Berean Standard Bible states: "So the LORD God appointed a plant, and it grew up over Jonah to provide shade for his head and to relieve his discomfort. And Jonah was greatly pleased with the plant." This miraculous growth of the gourd, or plant, is an act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nature. The plant grows rapidly, providing Jonah with much-needed shade and comfort in the harsh environment.

The Withering of the Gourd

The following day, God appoints a worm to attack the plant, causing it to wither (Jonah 4:7). The BSB records: "When dawn came the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant so that it withered." This sudden withering of the gourd is another miraculous event, orchestrated by God to teach Jonah a lesson.

The Lesson of the Gourd

As the sun rises, God further intensifies Jonah's discomfort by sending a scorching east wind, and the sun beats down on Jonah's head, causing him to grow faint (Jonah 4:8). In his distress, Jonah expresses a desire to die, saying, "It is better for me to die than to live" .

God then engages Jonah in a dialogue, questioning his anger over the plant. Jonah 4:9-10 states: "But God said to Jonah, 'Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?' 'It is,' he replied. 'I am so angry I wish I were dead.' But the LORD said, 'You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and perished overnight.'"

Theological Implications

The miracle of Jonah's gourd serves as a divine object lesson. It highlights God's compassion and the importance of mercy. Jonah's concern for the plant, which he neither cultivated nor sustained, is contrasted with God's concern for the people of Nineveh, whom He created and desires to save. This narrative underscores the theme of God's universal love and mercy, extending beyond Israel to all nations.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The gourd represents God's provision and the transient nature of earthly comforts. Jonah's attachment to the plant and his subsequent anger at its loss reveal his misplaced priorities and lack of understanding of God's broader plan. The episode challenges believers to align their values with God's, emphasizing compassion and mercy over personal grievances.

In summary, the miracle of Jonah's gourd is a profound narrative that illustrates God's control over creation and His desire to teach His prophet—and by extension, all believers—about the depth of divine mercy and the call to extend that mercy to others.

Nave's Topical Index

Jonah 4:6,7
And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.
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