NOTES for Jon 4:1-5
Jonah is so distressed by the forgiveness of sinners that he wants to die; he is displeased that God is good and merciful. It is astonishing how easily a desire for just retribution turns, to put it plainly, into rebellion against God, reaching the point of rejecting the life God has given. The reason is the human claim that “I know better how things ought to be done.” At the same time—what a divided self!—Jonah does not trust God’s mercy. He makes himself a shelter so that, sitting in its shade, he may see what will happen to the city; that is, he still hopes to see the city punished.
It is remarkable how subtly this passage conveys the widespread psychology of “righteous anger,” which conceives of justice apart from mercy. Yet the ease with which the desire for “just retribution” grows into displeasure with God and the wish to decide “correctly” in His place makes one wonder: was this not how the rebellion of the fallen angel began?
But it is not our concern to judge in God’s name and demand that He punish and destroy those we hate. Yes, many people expect precisely this from the Lord, and it is difficult to reproach those who continually suffer from evil for doing so. The Lord will deal with each person, and nothing will remain without consequences. But the Lord came into the world not to punish, but to save us.