In this study of Jonah Mr. Smith does not cover the book like other prophetic books. Jonah's book is basically a story. Mr. Smith shows us the reasons behind Jonah not wanting to follow God's command to go to nineveh. After the death of Ahab about 850 B.C. as punishment for their sins God allowed Israel to be invaded by Syria. But about 100 years later under the rule of Jeroboam II God blessed Israel again. II Kings 14:25 shows that Jonah, before God's sending his to Assyria, was one of the prophets involved in this restoration of prosperity. But sadly this prosperity was not accompanied by Israel returning to obey God. So Jonah knew God would use Assyria to punish Israel again. Therefore Jonah had no desire for Assyria to repent, instead he wanted God to destroy them so that they would not be able to be used to punish Israel.

Gary Smith

United Church of God Pastor

Gary Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent most of his youth in the Pasadena, California area. He graduated from Ambassador College in 1976 and he and his wife, Liz, moved to Peoria, Illinois. For the next six years he worked as a nursing home administrator in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.
In 1982, he and Liz began to serve in the full-time ministry. Since that time, they have served in a number of congregations in the Midwest.
Gary and Liz now pastor in Houston, Texas near their two children and grandson.