Includes bibliographical references (pages 31-62) and indexes.

The text of Jonah -- The present translation of Jonah -- Jonah among the "twelve prophets" -- The composition of Jonah -- Dating the composition of Jonah -- Liturgical use of Jonah -- Notes and comments -- The setting -- The storm-tossed ship -- The singling out of Jonah -- Obstinancy and submission -- In the fish's belly -- A canticle from the depths -- On dy land -- In Nineveh -- Changes of heart, change of mind -- Move/countermove -- Heat and light -- Interpretations -- Jonah as history or fiction -- Narrative art and literary typology in Jonah -- Looking ahead.

These issues, and many more, are thoughtfully considered in this meticulously detailed and insightful translation of the original Hebrew text of Jonah as created by Jewish authorities during the second half of the first millennium B.C.E. In these profound and enduring tales, realistic events and miraculous incidents merge, and we never have to wait long to witness the power of God's love or wrath. One of the twelve prophets, Jonah faced more challenges in a short span of time than any other biblical hero. He went to sea and nearly drowned in the belly of a great fish. On land, Jonah journeyed east to Nineveh, where his mission was to spread the word of God in a city plagued by evil. He was tested by God at every tum. But even during his darkest hours, his faith never wavered and through all the tumult, he always listened for the comforting voice of the Lord Author Jack M. Sasson employs the very latest information in biblical scholarship to interpret the many nuances in Jonah's seemingly simple story. Providing Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Aramaic, and, occasionally, Syriac and Arabic translations, this work is an exciting addition to the world-acclaimed Anchor Bible commentaries.