“But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17
Perhaps no other miracle in the Old Testament has caused as much unbelief and discussion (even among believers) as that of Jonah and the whale. Critics and individuals alike have debated the validity of the claims made in the book of Jonah. Could a whale have actually swallowed a man whole, even if it’s possible for a man to be swallowed by a whale—could he actually survive three days and nights? Although there are no real credible stories of people being swallowed by whales (there are several “stories” that are repeated throughout the internet and email forwards), we do know that there are whales capable of swallowing humans whole (see the Sperm whale which have been discovered to have swallowed Giant Squids whole.) The truth is the word that is translated “whale” in the KJV, is probably better translated “sea-monster” (also in Mt. 12:40), and the emphasis is not on the type of fish (or mammal) that God provided, but that God provided. The author of Jonah was not interested in the phylogenic distinctions of the creature used but with the involvement of God in Jonah’s life.
An overemphasis on the miracle of the great fish has taken away from the essence of the narrative and the book of Jonah. The book of Jonah paints us a picture of God’s mercy, of His desire for all to repent, and of His divine sovereignty. Additionally we are taught lessons about consequences, redemption, anger and yes, faith.
Did God really send a great fish to swallow Jonah? I believe He did, not because I have some irrefutable scientific evidence, but because the bible said He did. While I may not have all of the answers I have faith that God is true to His word. My faith in God is not blind, but a conviction about things that are yet unseen. My faith gives reality and proof to things that I may not understand, treating them as if they were objects of sight rather than hope. True faith, as Francis Chan puts it: “…means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God’s fidelity to His promises (Crazy Love, 168).”
How about you? Where is your faith? Are you living a life that holds nothing back, a life that puts every hope that you have in God’s faithfulness to His promises? If you are not, you are missing out on the fullness of life that Christ promised. Let go and let God—live your life to the fullest and marvel at the power of God.
