The Two Testaments cover image

Jonah

The Two Testaments

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Interpreting Jonah: Humor, Ethnicity, and Universalism

Interpreters have debated whether to view the book of Jonah humorously or not, and have questioned the role that ethnicity plays in the narrative, particularly in relation to the portrayal of the Israelites. The idea of foreign characters being more faithful than the Israelites, symbolized by Jonah, adds complexity to the interpretation. Over the ages, readers have grappled with persistent issues in interpreting Jonah, such as its genre and themes of particularism versus universalism. Today, the ongoing debate continues around whether the story is about a particular people or has universal relevance.

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