Jonah & Nahum: Grace in the Midst of Judgment

The book of Jonah demonstrates that Yahweh is the Savior of both Jews and Gentiles. Instead of immediately destroying the Ninevites for their wickedness, God raised up Jonah to proclaim God’s grace to them. The Lord affirmed that He holds the sovereign prerogative to show compassion on whomever He wishes and to deliver those who repent. This wondrous grace of God culminates in the One who fulfilled the sign of Jonah and accomplished salvation for all who acknowledge their unworthiness, repent of their sin, and believe in Him. Thus, the book of Jonah points to the work of Christ and displays the heart of God to seek and save the lost.

In a sequel to the story, over a hundred years after Jonah preached to Nineveh, God raised up Nahum to pronounce judgment on the Ninevites. While the Ninevites in Jonah’s day repented and received mercy, later generations returned to their wicked ways and became objects of God’s wrath. To those who presumed on God’s kindness, Nahum declared that the God who is gracious is also righteous and just. Ultimately, God’s promise to destroy Nineveh comforted Israel and provided hope to all His people that He will keep His Word, both to preserve the righteous and to punish the wicked.

Series Description

The MacArthur Old Testament Commentary series, like The MacArthur New Testament Commentary series,

Explains the Scripture word by word,
Is true to the approach of expository preaching,
Is based on thorough exegesis in the original languages.

This volume of the MacArthur Old Testament Commentary Series (MOTC) presents the meaning and theology of the biblical text with accuracy, precision, and clarity. While each volume is designed to aid the preacher, it is also intended to be read and applied by every believer for personal edification, blessing, and joy.

SKU: MOTCJONH Categories: Commentaries, Old Testament Tags: judgment, mercy, Nineveh

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“God regenerates and sanctifies us through His Word, and we can be thankful for this commentary series where the words of Scripture are carefully studied and explained.”
–Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Associate Dean of the School of Theology The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“I’ve read through the Bible twenty times, and I always appreciate a clear and edifying explanation of the biblical text, no matter what part of the Bible I’m reading. That is why I’m so excited about John MacArthur’s new commentary series on the Old Testament. Dr. MacArthur takes great pains to explain even the most challenging parts of the Bible, helping us see how God reveals Himself and His loving and gracious character with every chapter in His Word. Thank you, Pastor John, for giving us an easy-to-read yet thorough explanation of Old Testament Scripture. I’m recommending it to everyone!”
–Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

“This commentary bears all the marks of John MacArthur’s faithful exposition of Scripture. A help to the serious student, and a necessary addition to the bookshelves of every pastor.”
–Alistair Begg, Parkside Church

John MacArthur (1939-2025) was the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California; Chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, and Bible-teacher with his global media ministry Grace to You. He spent over fifty years preaching through every verse of the New Testament and much of the Old Testament, while being featured speaker at conferences around the world. He authored numerous best-selling books including The Gospel According to Jesus, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary series and the expositional notes for The MacArthur Study Bible.