The book of Jonah underscores the Lord’s mercy, grace, and love are for all people. It challenges the sort of spiritual pride that led Jonah to look down his nose on those he deemed more sinful. Literary devices such as wordplay, irony, and contrast brilliantly tell the story and accomplish the book’s purpose. Only when we remember how desperately we need the Lord’s merciful love, and how freely he has given it to us in Jesus, will our hearts overflow with the same merciful love toward everyone we meet.
Here are our choices for the best commentaries on Jonah.
Introductory Commentaries
For Sunday school teachers and small group leaders without advanced training
Obadiah, Jonah and Micah
David, W. Baker, T. Desmond Alexander, and Bruce K. Waltke
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2009
Alexander’s devotional commentary provides a fresh and penetrating analysis of Jonah. He considers the book’s historical setting, composition, structure, and authorship, carefully emphasizing important themes and issues in the text, such as God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy. As Mathison observes, “It is clear and concise, and Alexander also argues for the historicity of the events described in the book.”
Man Overboard! The Story of Jonah
Sinclair B. Ferguson
Banner of Truth, 2008
Ferguson’s commentary provides a brief exposition of Jonah that highlights Jonah’s discovery of God’s true character. Mathison says this work “will be a treasure trove for preachers and teachers. Ferguson exhibits a rare combination today—the insights of one who is both a pastor and a scholar.”
The Message of Jonah
Rosemary A. Nixon
Bible Speaks Today
IVP Academic, 2003
Nixon explores the book of Jonah’s artful construction. Readers will find her careful reading of the text rewarding. She encourages readers to meditate on God’s judgment and grace, and to apply the truths gleaned from Jonah to today’s world.
Jonah
Jay A. Sklar
TGC Bible Commentary
The Gospel Coalition, 2023
A concise, practical, and gospel-centered commentary. Sklar offers a helpful guide to the historical background and theology of Jonah. Throughout the work, Sklar reminds readers that it’s only when we remember how desperately we need the Lord’s merciful love, and how freely he has given it to us in Jesus, that we’ll have hearts overflowing with the same merciful love toward others.
Obadiah, Jonah and Micah
Daniel C. Timmer
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
IVP Academic, 2021
Timmer is incredibly helpful for the lay leader or devotional reader of Jonah. His accessible explanation of the Hebrew literary structure will yield great dividends in understanding the purpose of each segment of this rich narrative.
Preaching Commentaries
For pastors and Bible teachers preparing to proclaim the Word
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah
Trent C. Butler
Holman Old Testament Commentary
Holman Reference, 2005
Butler’s verse-by-verse commentary walks through Jonah, underscoring biblical principles and specific contemporary applications for readers. The resource offers discussion starters and teaching plans.
Jonah & Micah
Richard D. Phillips
Reformed Expository Commentary
P&R Publishing, 2010
This exposition of Jonah is accessible for both pastors and lay readers. Phillips gives careful attention to the biblical text, is doctrinally Reformed, focuses on Christ through the lens of redemptive history, and applies the Bible to our contemporary setting.
“Jonah” in Daniel–Malachi
Jay A. Sklar
ESV Expository Commentary
Crossway, 2018
Sklar provides a solid and clear analysis of the text, offering biblical insight and pastoral wisdom on Jonah and showing readers the hope God offers even amid judgment. Pastors and teachers will find a globally minded commentary rich in biblical theology and broadly Reformed doctrine. Sklar demonstrates sensitivity to the Hebrew word plays within the story and helpfully explains them to the English reader. His treatment of the text also includes theologically deep and Christ-centered application.
“Jonah” in Daniel–Malachi
John H. Walton
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2008
Longman highly recommends this commentary: “Walton has a wonderful knowledge of ancient Near Eastern background and great exegetical sensitivity. . . He understands the book’s main purpose as teaching that the prophets’ prophetic pronouncements are by no means irreversible and may be forestalled or avoided by repentance that elicits God’s compassion.”
Scholarly Commentaries
For scholars and pastor-theologians proficient in biblical Hebrew
Amos, Jonah, & Micah
JoAnna M. Hoyt
Evangelical Exegetical Commentary
Lexham Press, 2019
In this volume, Hoyt examines the theological themes of divine justice, mercy, judgment, and repentance in-depth, revealing the complexity of the relationship between God and his people. Throughout her commentary, Hoyt closely examines the text, giving us a scholarly and applicable exploration for the church.
Jonah
Jack M. Sasson
Anchor Yale Bible
Yale University Press, 1995
Sasson gives us an exciting volume on Jonah. The author employs the relevant information in biblical scholarship of his time to interpret the many nuances in Jonah’s seemingly simple story. He provides Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Aramaic, and, occasionally, Syriac and Arabic translations. Longman praises Sasson’s work: “This provocative commentary on the literary gem Jonah is well worth adding to a reference library. It not only rehearses previous views but suggestively presents its own reading of the book.”
Hosea–Jonah
Douglas Stuart
Word Biblical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2014
Stuart is a commentator’s commentator. He is particularly helpful for seeing how the literary structure of Jonah is signaled in the Hebrew text. This in turn leads his readers to a strong and clear understanding of the didactic purpose of each passage. Longman asserts, “It is a must-buy for everyone preaching on [the minor prophets]. . . It is intelligently conservative and emphasizes theology without ignoring the other aspects of the text.” Stuart provides clear analysis, interacts judiciously with secondary literature, and stays focused on what’s most important.
Jonah, 2nd edition
Kevin J. Youngblood
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary
Zondervan Academic, 2015
Youngblood’s second edition serves pastors and teachers by providing them with a careful analysis and interpretation of Jonah’s Hebrew text. The commentary will help pastors to quickly grasp the big idea of the passage and how it fits in its larger context.