When did Jonah write his book?

Answer 1

Since no dates are provided in Jonah's book... the best guess might be sometime between the 800's and the early 600's B.C..

Nineveh was the capital of the viscious Assyrian Empire that ruled throughout the region about 300 years; from 900 to 607 B.C.. Assyria was known for its brutal treatment of those they conquered... and news of their approach to any city of any nation terrified and froze the blood in the veins of whole populations.

This was the empire whom God used to defeat and carry away the Northern Tribes of Israel [the Lost Ten Tribes], following a three year siege [II Kings 17:5-6]... in an attempt to cause His people to repent of their forsaking Him and His Commandments. A three-year warning that they failed to heed.

It may be, perhaps, assumed that Jonah lived either during or after the removal of his brother Israelites from the land by Assyria. His rage is evident in his account.

[Although some modern historical re-writes claim that Jonah never existed, and that this is nothing more than a fanciful "fish story" and fable by an anonymous author -- Jesus Christ gives creedence to Jonah's authenticity by pinning the proof of His Messiahship upon "the sign of Jonah," being three days and three nights in the belly of that "specially prepared" fish - Matt.12:39-40. But, then... some of these modern historians also claim that Jesus never existed].

But, as Halley's Bible Handbook states it: "Thus Jonah was called of God to prolong the life of the enemy nation which was already in the process of exterminating his own nation. No wonder he had fled in the opposite direction, in patriotic dread of a brutal and relentless military machine which was closing in on God's people." (Halley's Bible Handbook: Classic Edition- Jonah p.363; pp.3)

With all the events that transpired in Jonah's journal... taking it on the lam, as he did, and spending those three days and three nights, dead, in the belly of the fish; and being regurgitated and resurrected three days later on the beach; and finally relenting and fulfilling the deed with which God commissioned him -- it's doubtful that he got around to "writing" anything down until all the dust had settled and the adrenaline subsided.

After all... he became quite upset over the whole ordeal: "...it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said... Therefore now, O Lord, TAKE, I beseech thee, MY LIFE FROM ME; for it is better for me to die than to live." (Jonah 4:1-3)

It's not exactly the "sentimental," pious, easy-going picture most people have in their minds regarding any of God's saints. Yet, it was quite an 'unbelievable" adventure that God included in His book of "Truth" [see John 17:17].

So, whether Jonah wrote his book during the siege of his nation or after the Kingdom of Israel's removal from the Promised Land... it almost assuredly had to be in the aftermath of his maddening ordeal; and the time frame was probably sometime between the 800's and 600's B.C..

Answer 2

My NKJV Study Bible says that in 2 Kings 14:25, an announcement of a prophecy being fulfilled by 'Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.' This puts him living in the reign of King Jeroboam II which is dated from 792-753 BC.

Many think this is sheer allegory as Presidential Candidate (2008), Rudy Guilliani, from my High School and State of NY called it. But I would caution those who think this as Jesus Himself, gave only ONE sign of His Messiaship, that being like Jonah, in the 'grave' for 3 days and 3 nights (72 hours). See Matthew 16:4 and again mentions He is greater than Jonah in Matthew 12:39-40. So the Jonah story appears historical.

Answer 3

The prophet Jonah probably lived at the time of king Jerobam 2nd, during the time of the first temple.

Answer 4

Jonah was a prophet who served during Jeroboam II, the king of Israel. It is estimated that he served as a prophet for about 40 years, from about 844-804 BC.

Answer 5

It could be be the eighth century B.C.