Jonah 1:1

"Now the LORD’s word came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,"

Key Reflection

The opening sentence of Jonah 1:1, "Now the LORD’s word came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying," sets the stage for what is to follow. This verse indicates that God directly addressed Jonah, a prophet from Gath-hepher in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25), with an urgent divine command or message. The use of "word" (מֶלְאַךְ māl’ākh) here likely refers to a direct supernatural communication from God, emphasizing the authoritative and immediate nature of Jonah's commission. This context underscores the importance of Jonah's role as a prophet and the gravity of his mission, despite his initial reluctance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Now the word of the Lord -, literally, “And, ...” This is the way in which the several inspired writers of the Old Testament mark that what it was given them to write was united onto those sacred books which God had given to others to write, and it formed with them one continuous whole. The word, “And,” implies this. It would do so in any language, and it does so in Hebrew as much as in any other. As neither we, nor any other people, would, without any meaning, use the word, And, so neither did the Hebrews. It joins the four first books of Moses together; it carries on the history through Joshua, Judges, the Books of Samuel and of the Kings.

More from Jonah 1

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