The motives of Jonah’s heart are finally revealed fully. “I knew it!” he says. “I knew you were a compassionate God, so quick to forgive, so eager to save, so unceasingly patient! I knew I couldn’t trust you! That’s the reason I ran away to begin with! I was afraid that if I got a God like you near these people and they made even a gesture in the direction of repentance you would forgive them. I’ve had it with you! I resign! Just take away my life!” There is no more astonishing speech in the Bible, or perhaps in all of ancient literature. Finally Jonah’s idol was laid bare, revealing his
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