what are three differences between the three prophets jonah, nahum, obadiah to the gentiles
1. Message:
- Jonah: Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh, which was a Gentile city, to warn its people about the impending destruction due to their wickedness. His message was a call for repentance, and the people of Nineveh responded positively by heeding his warning.
- Nahum: Nahum's message, on the other hand, was a prophecy of the downfall of Nineveh. While Jonah preached a message of repentance and mercy, Nahum prophesied the imminent destruction of the city because of its continued wickedness and oppression.
- Obadiah: Obadiah's message was specifically directed towards the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and thus considered Gentiles. He predicted the downfall of Edom because of its pride, violence, and mistreatment of the Israelites.
2. Approach:
- Jonah: Jonah initially resisted his calling and tried to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh. However, after being swallowed by a large fish and spending three days in its belly, he was ultimately obedient and delivered his message to the people of Nineveh.
- Nahum: Nahum, in contrast, does not record any personal struggle or reluctance in delivering his prophecy. He enthusiastically foretells the impending doom of Nineveh, without any mention of hesitation or resistance.
- Obadiah: Obadiah directed his prophecy towards the Edomites, but the approach of his message is different from both Jonah and Nahum. While he does not mention any personal struggle, his prophecy carries an element of poetic justice, as he highlights how the Edomites would experience the same destruction and devastation they inflicted on the Israelites.
3. Historical Context:
- Jonah: The book of Jonah is traditionally placed around the 8th century BCE, during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel. During this time, Assyria, with Nineveh as its capital, posed a significant threat to Israel. Jonah's mission to Nineveh can be seen in the context of this historical backdrop.
- Nahum: Nahum's prophecy is believed to have been delivered sometime between 663 and 612 BCE, during the later period of the Assyrian Empire. At this time, the Assyrian Empire was weakening, and Nahum's message may have brought hope to those who suffered under Assyrian oppression.
- Obadiah: The book of Obadiah is traditionally dated to the period following the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, when the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and related to the Israelites, rejoiced and took advantage of Israel's suffering. Obadiah's prophecy addresses Edom's cruel behavior towards Israel and predicts their own downfall.
1. Message and Audience:
a) Jonah was sent as a prophet to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh, which was predominantly a Gentile city. His message was focused on warning Nineveh of God's impending judgment unless they repented of their wickedness.
b) Nahum's prophetic message was directed towards the same city of Nineveh, but it was delivered after Jonah's time. Unlike Jonah, Nahum pronounced a prophecy of judgment against Nineveh, announcing its complete destruction because of its continued wickedness.
c) Obadiah's prophecy was specifically directed towards the nation of Edom, which was also predominantly a Gentile nation. The primary focus of Obadiah's message was to pronounce judgment against Edom for its hostility and violence towards Israel, as well as its lack of compassion during Israel's distress.
2. Content and Theme:
a) Jonah's message primarily emphasized the compassion and mercy of God. His story focuses on God's willingness to offer forgiveness and salvation to even the Gentiles if they repented. Jonah's own reluctance and disobedience became a lesson in God's patience with His people and their need to align with His will.
b) Nahum's prophecy centered on the impending judgment and destruction of Nineveh due to its wickedness. The major theme of Nahum's message was God's righteousness and justice, contrasting with Nineveh's evil deeds. It also provided a message of comfort and deliverance for the oppressed through the downfall of the powerful Assyrian empire.
c) Obadiah's prophecy was primarily focused on the judgment and downfall of the nation of Edom. The main theme of Obadiah's message was God's retribution against Edom for their mistreatment and betrayal of their brother nation, Israel. It also contained a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel.
3. Historical Context:
a) Jonah's prophetic ministry is believed to have occurred during the reign of King Jeroboam II in Israel (around 8th century BC). The Assyrian empire was expanding and posed a threat to the northern kingdom of Israel. Jonah's mission to Nineveh was significant in light of these geopolitical circumstances.
b) Nahum likely prophesied shortly before the fall of the Assyrian empire and the ultimate destruction of Nineveh, possibly around the 7th century BC. His prophecy reflects the decline of Assyria as God's judgment approached, with the Babylonian empire being the instrument of that judgment.
c) Obadiah prophesied against Edom after the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, took advantage of Israel's distress and contributed to their suffering. Obadiah's prophecy foretold Edom's punishment and emphasized the sovereignty of God over nations.
In summary, the three prophets, Jonah, Nahum, and Obadiah, had different messages, audiences, and historical contexts. Jonah focused on God's compassion and mercy towards Nineveh, Nahum pronounced judgment against Nineveh, and Obadiah proclaimed judgment against Edom.