Jonah 3:7
And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The decree to fast extends even to animals, not just to involve them in punishment, but to heighten the sense of crisis and appeal to God's care for all creation. This inclusion of the "beast" underscores that the impending judgment was for the entire community, forcing everyone and everything under their care to confront the severity of their situation.
The prophet Jonah has just delivered a stark warning to the city of Nineveh, declaring its impending destruction. In response, the king of Nineveh, deeply shaken by the message, not only humbles himself and his court in sackcloth and ashes but also issues a sweeping decree for a city-wide fast. This proclamation extends to all living creatures—humans and animals alike—ordering them to abstain from food and water to express their profound sorrow and fear.
What does it take for an entire city, including its king, to go without food or water for days?
When Jonah's message of impending doom hit Nineveh, the response wasn't just a suggestion; it was a king's decree, solidified by his nobles. This wasn't a casual fast; it was a public, official proclamation.
Why would a royal decree about repentance and fasting include every single animal in the city?
The most striking part of Nineveh's fast is the inclusion of animals: 'Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything.' This wasn't just symbolic; it revealed a deeper understanding of God and His creation.
Understand the original words
keroz · Hebrew Noun
An authoritative command or public announcement, often carrying the weight of law or official mandate.
ta'am · Hebrew Noun
A formal order or authoritative ruling issued by a person in power; in a theological context, it often refers to God's sovereign command.
The decree to include animals in the fast underscores the Ninevites' understanding that all creation was affected by their sin and under God's judgment. This shows a profound, albeit perhaps superstitious, awareness of a shared destiny between humanity and the animal world, mirroring God's own concern for all His creation as seen later in Jonah 4:11.
c. 8th century BC— this verse
Jonah's Ministry to Nineveh
Jonah, a prophet of Israel, is commanded by God to preach repentance to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This is an era when Assyria is a powerful and often brutal empire, known for its military might and expansionist policies.
c. 8th century BC
King and Nobles Issue Edict
Upon hearing Jonah's message and seeing the people's reaction, the king of Nineveh, alongside his nobles, issues a royal decree for a city-wide fast and mourning. This highlights the king's authority and the gravity with which the message was received.
c. 8th century BC
Nineveh's Public Fast and Repentance
The entire city, including livestock, participates in a solemn fast, abstaining from food and water, and covering themselves in sackcloth. This radical act of repentance, extending even to animals, is a testament to the fear and awe inspired by Jonah's prophecy.
c. 8th century BC
This passage shows God's willingness to relent from judgment when a nation repents, mirroring the Ninevites' swift turn from destruction after Jonah's warning.
Joel 2:12-14This prophetic call for a solemn assembly, fasting, weeping, and rending of hearts is the very essence of the repentance demonstrated by Nineveh, including the king's decree.
Matthew 12:41-42Jesus Himself points to the Ninevites as a standard of repentance, highlighting their willingness to heed a lesser light (Jonah) compared to the greater light (Jesus) offered to the generation He was speaking to.
Psalm 36:6This verse emphasizes God's care for both humans and animals, which helps explain the king of Nineveh's decree to include beasts in the fast, recognizing their shared vulnerability.
barnesJonah 3:7: "And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:"
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh; - literally, "And he cried and said, etc." The cry or proclamation of the king corresponded with the cry of Jonah. Where the prophet's cry, calling to repentance, had reached, the proclamation of the king follow…
calvinJonah 3:6-8: "For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes."
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
Et promulgavit ac dixit per Nineveh ex consilio regis et magnatum ejus, dicendo, Homo et jumentum (vel, bestia,) bos…
The decree to fast extends even to animals, not just to involve them in punishment, but to heighten the sense of crisis and appeal to God's care for all creation. This inclusion of the "beast" underscores that the impending judgment was for the entire community, forcing everyone and everything under their care to confront the severity of their situation.
The prophet Jonah has just delivered a stark warning to the city of Nineveh, declaring its impending destruction. In response, the king of Nineveh, deeply shaken by the message, not only humbles himself and his court in sackcloth and ashes but also issues a sweeping decree for a city-wide fast. This proclamation extends to all living creatures—humans and animals alike—ordering them to abstain from food and water to express their profound sorrow and fear.
The prophet Jonah has just delivered a stark warning to the city of Nineveh, declaring its impending destruction. In response, the king of Nineveh, deeply shaken by the message, not only humbles himself and his court in sackcloth and ashes but also issues a sweeping decree for a city-wide fast. This proclamation extends to all living creatures—humans and animals alike—ordering them to abstain from food and water to express their profound sorrow and fear.
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God Relents from Destruction
Witnessing Nineveh's genuine repentance and sorrow, God shows compassion and withholds the promised judgment. This demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who turn from their wicked ways.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
Samaria, the capital of the northern Israelite kingdom, falls to the Assyrians, leading to the deportation of its people. This event served as a stark warning to surrounding nations, including Judah, about the consequences of disobedience and the power of the Assyrian Empire.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Under King Sennacherib, the Assyrian army lays siege to Jerusalem. While Jerusalem is miraculously spared, the event underscores the oppressive presence of the Assyrian Empire in the region.
"And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water," — The decree to fast extends even to animals, not just to involve them in punishment, but to heighten the sense of crisis and appeal to God's care for all creation. This inclusion of the "beast" unders…
