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Jonah and the Whale

Illustration of Jonah and the Whale
Era
Divided Kingdom
Date
c. 780 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Jonah 1:1-17

The story of Jonah begins when God instructs the prophet to warn the Assyrian city of Nineveh about its impending judgment due to its great wickedness. Instead of obeying, Jonah attempts to flee by sea, leading to a divine storm that results in him being swallowed by a great fish, where he remains for three days before being delivered onto dry land. Upon finally preaching in Nineveh, the entire city repents, prompting God to spare them from destruction. This event holds significance in Scripture as it demonstrates God's concern for all nations and serves as a sign of resurrection referenced by Jesus in the Gospels.

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Meanwhile in the World

Assyria becomes the world's first great empire, conquering from Egypt to Persia. Greece emerges from its Dark Age - the Olympic Games begin (776 BC). Rome is founded (753 BC). Carthage is established. This is the height of Assyrian military power and the rise of Greek city-states.

When: c. 930 โ€“ 586 BC

Key Civilizations: Neo-Assyrian Empire, Archaic Greece