Jonah tells the story of the prophet who ran from obedience to God. There are many lessons here to help us understand how God does His work through man and how He deals with His servants when they rebel against Him.
These two chapters deal with the final chaotic years of Judah, the siege and fall of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the nation. This is a sober section of scripture that reminds us that God will judge those who refuse to obey Him. Yet, even in this sad account, God retains a remnant and through them will restore the nation again at the proper time.
Those who serve Him faithfully will find that God occasionally shows Himself in a mighty way as the protector and provider of His own people.
The Fall of Samaria and the Assyrian Captivity of Israel are dated at 722BC. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Captivity of Judah are dated at 586BC, 136 years later. Much of this chapter deals with the sins of the people of Israel that led to their judgment. The last part of the chapter deals with the sins of the people who continue to inhabit the land after the captivity. This chapter actually describes the beginning of the Samaritans who will show up again in the New Testament.
Despite the mercies of the Lord, Israel continues its march toward destruction. The death of Elisha, who must have been over eighty at this time, marks the end of an era as well. For decades, Elijah and Elisha had been a voice for God in the northern kingdom of Israel. Now that they are silenced, there are few to proclaim the word of the Lord.
