AUGUST 17, 2026 – THE PLANT

READ: Jon. 4:5–9: … in the shade … to see what would become of the city … it withered …Then he wished death …

Verse 5 describes the situation that already existed during the events of verse 1. Jonah had gone out of the city and made for himself a shelter, probably of branches, on the eastern side of Nineveh. After completing his preaching, he waited forty days to see what would happen, only to discover that the LORD had spared the city.

When Jonah gives no answer to God’s gracious question after expressing his wish to die, the LORD proceeds one step further. He desires to help Jonah arrive at the right answer by means of a practical lesson in which His grace again becomes evident.

Apparently Jonah’s shelter no longer provided sufficient protection against the burning sun and the wind. Therefore the LORD God performed a miracle. In a single night He caused a plant to spring up for the discouraged prophet. It quickly grew above Jonah’s head and provided shade and relief.

Jonah rejoiced greatly because of the plant. But did he also thank the LORD for it? After only one day the LORD caused a worm to destroy the plant before the hot sun arose. He made Jonah feel the loss of it even more keenly by appointing a scorching east wind. Jonah became faint because of the unbearable heat and collapsed from weakness. Once again he expressed the wish to die, yet without directing any prayer for help to the LORD.

But the LORD does not grant his request. Instead, He asks Jonah whether he has understood the lesson: “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” What longsuffering the LORD continues to display!

This account is also written for our instruction. We too must realize and accept that the LORD is both righteous and merciful in all His dealings. When He orders events differently from what we desire, we may not call Him to account. Rather, we are to accept His providential government and respond to it in faith.

When will God’s longsuffering come to an end?

Sing: Ps. 36:2.