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10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them, and he did not do it.(A)

Jonah’s Anger

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry.(B) He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning, for I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment.(C) And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”(D)

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented(A) and did not bring on them the destruction(B) he had threatened.(C)

Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Compassion

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.(D) He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew(E) that you are a gracious(F) and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love,(G) a God who relents(H) from sending calamity.(I) Now, Lord, take away my life,(J) for it is better for me to die(K) than to live.”(L)