Message of Jonah: Presence in the Storm, The

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Sep 2004 by Peele, Jerry W

The Message of Jonah: Presence in the Storm. By Rosemary Nixon. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2003, 220 pp., $14.00.

Rosemary Nixon is vicar of All Saints' Church in Cleadon, England. Previously, she served as principal of the Theological Institute of the Scottish Episcopal Church in Edinburgh, as director of urban studies in Gatehead, and as tutor in OT studies at Cranmer Hall in Durham. Nixon provides a scholarly but practical exposition of the book of Jonah, with unique consideration given to the experience of the prophet and the literary characteristics of the book of Jonah.

The author provides more than a commentary and exposition of the book of Jonah. After a brief survey of the various methods of interpreting the book, Nixon reviews key literary characteristics in a way that is engaging and valuable for preaching as well as scholarship. The author goes the extra mile to emphasize the possibility and acceptability of an allegorical interpretation, but at the same time seems to treat the biblical record as historical and reliable.

The book focuses on the prophet Jonah's experiences, struggles, and decisions, especially in regard to his relationship to the Lord. The author provides an in-depth analysis of the prophet's dialogue with God and the applications that flow from Jonah's experience. For example, in the introduction, Nixon wrote of Jonah: "His chief instincts were to run away, to sleep, to hide, to die, to be angry, to be comfortable, to inhabit a predictable and familiar world . . . On his door is a large notice which says 'Do Not Disturb.' And yet he is a prophet of Israel" (p. 33).

The exposition of the book contains an excellent review of Jonah's background and calling. More attention is given to the dynamics of the prophet's experience and background than to academic technicalities. Most impressive is the practical application found in this commentary. Pastors and teachers will find solid principles for Christian living, ministry, and missions.

The primary content of the commentary follows the book of Jonah, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. sections of each chapter contain headings filled with sermonic themes, and paragraphs sprinkled with historical nuggets and commentary. Hebrew analysis of the book is not extensive, but more than sufficient concerning key words and concepts. The author provides extraordinary, yet concise, information about the literary structure of the book of Jonah. Special attention is given to parallels and patterns within the Hebrew text that are directly related to the message of the prophecy.

Evangelicals will find this book strong on biblical application, theological insight, and experiential analysis. However, those looking for a solid affirmation for the historicity of all of the book of Jonah will be disappointed. Nixon leaves the question of full historicity open for the reader. She emphasizes, "The language in the book is metaphorical. The writer is not simply writing a newspaper report of what happened to an Israelite prophet. He is grappling theologically with human experience" (p. 149). There are a few culturally correct undertones in the book that leave the reader with more questions than answers. Overall, this book provides adequate commentary and excellent application. The strengths far outweigh any weaknesses of Nixon's work.

Jerry W. Peele

First Baptist Church, Eastman, GA