We Who Wrestle with God: Perceptions of the Divine

Peterson notes that little is known about Jonah’s life before he answers God’s call to prophecy. In this, Peterson argues, he is like many other ordinary people called by fate to undertake extraordinary tasks. God calls Jonah to convert the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire and a sworn enemy of Israel. Thus, Jonah must save a people to whom he is not kindly disposed. Jonah tacitly refuses the call and flees in the opposite direction. Peterson contrasts Jonah’s behavior to that of Socrates, who stayed to meet his fate in Athens instead of running away, thus obeying his conscience.

As Jonah is on a ship, God sends a violent storm. Jonah confesses to the shipmates that he is fleeing his God, and he offers to be thrown overboard as a sacrifice. He is swallowed by a whale and remains in the animal’s belly for three days, praying to God for rescue. Finally, the whale spews Jonah onto the shore, and the prophet heads to Nineveh.

Peterson offers his interpretation of the narrative thus far. Jonah’s rejection of God’s call shows the dire consequences of ignoring conscience and keeping silent in the face of evil.