The name “Yahweh” (translated “the Lord”) has not appeared since chapter 2, but now Jonah literally cries, “Alas, Yahweh!” This is the personal, covenant name of God, which he reveals only to his people Israel, and it is the covenant of God with Israel that is much in Jonah’s mind. The Lord had promised to preserve Israel and accomplish his purposes in the world through them. How can God keep his promises to uphold his people and at the same time show mercy to his people’s enemies? How can he claim to be a God of justice and allow such evil and violence to go unpunished?
