The Book of Jonah is a unique narrative within the Old Testament that tells the story of a prophet who is called by God to deliver a message of repentance to the city of Nineveh. Unlike other prophetic books that focus on the messages of the prophets, Jonah's story is more about the prophet himself and his struggle with God's command. This book explores themes of obedience, mercy, and the universal scope of God's love, even for those outside of Israel.
Traditionally, Jonah is believed to be the author of this book, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II. The setting of the book is significant, as it takes place in the 8th century BCE, a time when Israel was experiencing prosperity but also moral decline. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was known for its wickedness, making Jonah's mission particularly challenging and revealing his reluctance to obey God's command.