Definition: Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Jonah! It’s a really powerful and complex one, but we can understand it at its core. Here's what it means in simple terms: God is deeply concerned about Jonah. He’s seen something terrible – Jonah has been swallowed by a big fish while he was preaching to the people of Nineveh! “Doest thou well to be angry?” This isn’t a question of judgment for Jonah, but rather a reflection of God's feelings about what happened. He's asking if Jonah is truly upset with himself or his actions. Here’s the bigger picture – it's about responsibility and obedience: Jonah was sent out to preach to Nineveh, but he disobeyed God's command! He ran away from his mission and became a fish, which is a metaphor for being lost or astray. God isn't angry at Jonah in the traditional sense. He’s angry because Jonah ignored what He told him to do – to preach repentance to Nineveh. It was a crucial part of God’s plan for saving humanity! So, the verse is saying: God is deeply worried about Jonah’s disobedience and is questioning whether he's truly remorseful or if his actions are a sign of something deeper – perhaps a lack of understanding or a willingness to listen to His voice. In essence, it’s a reminder that we all need to be accountable for our choices and always follow God's instructions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of Jonah in the Bible? Compare this verse to other stories about obedience?