Jonah is unique among the prophets – it is a narrative about Jonah’s reluctance to prophesy to Nineveh (Assyria). God’s compassion for the repentant Gentile city (symbolized by a plant) highlights themes of obedience, God’s mercy, and concern for all nations.

Author: Traditionally Jonah the prophet.

Date Written: Uncertain; possibly 5th–4th century BCE (post-exilic).

Context: Unlike other prophetic books, Jonah reads like a story. It teaches Israel about God’s universal compassion, possibly written when Assyria (Nineveh) had long fallen, to underscore God’s willingness to forgive even enemies.