Bible Trivia Question
What's the Answer?
Which city did Jonah attempt to flee to instead?
Nineveh
Bethlehem
Tarshish
Find this question in our The Book of Jonah Bible Quiz
Click to reveal the answerThe answer is: Tarshish
Jonah 1:3 - Tarshish was the opposite direction from Nineveh, showing that he was physically and spiritually going in completely the wrong direction.
Jonah's quest to escape to Tarshish is quite an intriguing feature of this story. Located in ancient Spain, this bustling port symbolized riches and luxury—the complete opposite of Nineveh, a city steeped in idolatry and wrongdoing. Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh is rooted not just in his desire to avoid preaching to a group he deemed unworthy, but hints at a deeper struggle with who deserves mercy and forgiveness. This theme resonates widely—showcasing the universal human inclination to sidestep uncomfortable truths and responsibilities.
Interestingly, sailors in ancient times would have traversed dangerous waters laden with omens, making Jonah's attempt to flee even more symbolic. Dark storms represent a life turned chaotic when we stray from our path, while Jonah's acts embody the human tendency to resist divine appointments.
Moreover, it’s fascinating to note a time when Jonah's travel choices starkly echo natural occurrences in scripture. Think about Moses—also a reluctant prophet! He initially attempts to evade his calling when God sends him to Egypt. Both stories reflect a consistent theme across texts: followers often wrestle, not just with tasks ahead, but with their understanding of who deserves grace. All this paints Jonah not only as an outrunner but as a relatable figure, tangled in the complexities of obligation and awareness. And perhaps, in a strange way, each of us has a little bit of Jonah in us!
Similar Bible Trivia Questions
Which city did Jonah try to run to instead of going to Nineveh as God had commanded?
Jerusalem
Tarshish
Damascus
Jonah: To which city did Jonah take the message from God instructing them to repent?
Jericho
Sodom
Ashkelon
How did the king reward Mordecai for saving him from an assassination attempt?
He was given the kings signet ring
Haman led him through the streets on the king's horse
He allowed him to be exempt from the Jewish extermination order
Herod
Agabus
Simeon
To which region did Moses flee after killing the Egyptian?
Goshen
Libya
Midian
To where did Paul & Silas flee?
Appolonia
Thessalonica
Amphipolis
Why did Jephthah flee to the land of Tob?
He was illegitimate and his brothers drove him out
He killed one of his brothers
He eloped with his neighbour's daughter
The coast
The mountains
The River Jordan
Why did Jacob flee to live with Laban?
He had stolen from his father
Esau wanted to kill him
He had sinned against God
Which city did God ask Jonah to go to?
Nineveh
Joppa
Tarshish