The answer is: Obadiah

The order of the minor prophets is always difficult to remember. The index in the front of your Bible should help.

Ah, the Book of Jonah—an intriguing tale that goes beyond just the adventures of a wayward prophet and a big fish! If you stop to consider the Book of Obadiah, which comes a chapter before Jonah, you encounter a fascinating contrast between themes of judgment and mercy. While Obadiah talks about the downfall of Edom for its pride and betrayal against Israel, Jonah reminds us of Grace, even extended to those we might least expect, like the citizens of Nineveh!

Isn’t it interesting that both books contributed significantly to the moral groundings of ancient Israel? One reflects consequences for arrogance, while the other showcases relentless compassion. Speaking of compassion, the fish—often depicted as a whale—has led many to explore supplemented lessons. Though there’s a lot of debate over what type of creature swallowed Jonah, it's worth noting that ancient peoples often viewed such beings with a particular mystique. Think about it—fish serve as a recurring motif in various traditions, acting as symbols of divine messages or impending change.

Moreover, Jonah's time in the deep mirrors the themes of entrapment and liberation found elsewhere in the Bible. For example, the story of Moses in the bulrushes resonates with the idea of being saved against all odds and helps draw a parallel about grace across different narratives. There’s a wealth of wisdom to uncover when you dive deeper into these minor prophets!