what are three differences between the three prophets jonah, nahum, obadiah to the gentiles

Answer 1

1. Message:

- Jonah: Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh, which was a Gentile city, to warn its people about the impending destruction due to their wickedness. His message was a call for repentance, and the people of Nineveh responded positively by heeding his warning.
- Nahum: Nahum's message, on the other hand, was a prophecy of the downfall of Nineveh. While Jonah preached a message of repentance and mercy, Nahum prophesied the imminent destruction of the city because of its continued wickedness and oppression.
- Obadiah: Obadiah's message was specifically directed towards the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and thus considered Gentiles. He predicted the downfall of Edom because of its pride, violence, and mistreatment of the Israelites.

2. Approach:

- Jonah: Jonah initially resisted his calling and tried to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh. However, after being swallowed by a large fish and spending three days in its belly, he was ultimately obedient and delivered his message to the people of Nineveh.
- Nahum: Nahum, in contrast, does not record any personal struggle or reluctance in delivering his prophecy. He enthusiastically foretells the impending doom of Nineveh, without any mention of hesitation or resistance.
- Obadiah: Obadiah directed his prophecy towards the Edomites, but the approach of his message is different from both Jonah and Nahum. While he does not mention any personal struggle, his prophecy carries an element of poetic justice, as he highlights how the Edomites would experience the same destruction and devastation they inflicted on the Israelites.

3. Historical Context:

- Jonah: The book of Jonah is traditionally placed around the 8th century BCE, during the reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel. During this time, Assyria, with Nineveh as its capital, posed a significant threat to Israel. Jonah's mission to Nineveh can be seen in the context of this historical backdrop.
- Nahum: Nahum's prophecy is believed to have been delivered sometime between 663 and 612 BCE, during the later period of the Assyrian Empire. At this time, the Assyrian Empire was weakening, and Nahum's message may have brought hope to those who suffered under Assyrian oppression.
- Obadiah: The book of Obadiah is traditionally dated to the period following the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, when the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau and related to the Israelites, rejoiced and took advantage of Israel's suffering. Obadiah's prophecy addresses Edom's cruel behavior towards Israel and predicts their own downfall.