The answer is: East

Jonah 4:8 - In addition to the hot sun this was virtually intolerable and Jonah felt faint.

In the Book of Jonah, there’s so much happening beyond the physical discomfort of that east wind! Picture Jonah, sitting outside Nineveh, sulking in the blistering sun after initially fleeing God’s call. While the east wind intensifies his misery, it also carries a deeper symbolism throughout scripture. Typically, winds in biblical literature represent God's voice or divine influence—remember how the book of Job ends with an epic wind significant of God's presence?

Fun fact: windy day scenes pop up throughout the Bible, creating dramatic moments. When Elijah encountered God, it wasn’t in the mighty wind, but in the gentle whisper afterward, showcasing that God communicates in diverse ways.

Also, we see a parallel between Jonah’s struggle and the journeys of other prophets. Just as Elijah fled to avoid destruction and ended up at a mountaintop only to hear God’s whisper, Jonah ran away only to be pursued relentlessly by that divine calling—reminding us all that we can never escape our purpose.

Jonah’s fainting wasn’t just physical exhaustion; it’s a metaphor for the bigger existential crisis he's facing after extending love and mercy to his enemies. Despite wishing for his own end, God provided a shade plant the next night, illustrating His desire for Jonah to experience comfort, even in rebellion. It’s a powerful reminder of grace and compassion.