8th Century BC
The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the Near East, known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples.
During this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was under threat from Assyrian expansion. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was a significant city known for its wickedness.
The events begin in Israel and involve a journey to Nineveh, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in modern-day Iraq. Jonah's attempt to flee takes him towards Tarshish, believed to be in the western Mediterranean, possibly in modern-day Spain.
Prophets were expected to deliver God's messages, often calling for repentance. The Israelites viewed Assyria as a brutal enemy, making Jonah's mission to Nineveh particularly challenging.
Jonah
- 2 Kings 14:25 (Jonah's earlier prophecy during the reign of Jeroboam II)
- Nahum (Prophecies against Nineveh)