The answer is: East

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

The scorching east wind mentioned in Jonah 4:8 serves as more than just a meteorological detail—it reflects a deeper message of Jonah's discomfort and his ongoing internal struggle. For those in ancient Israel, the east wind (known as the "sirocco") symbolizes harshness and trial, manifesting the challenging environments both literally and emotionally.

Joyfully, the Book of Jonah is a rich narrative full of contrasts. On one hand, the city of Nineveh, with its vast significance as a center of power and culture, faces immense judgment. Yet on the other, here we find Jonah, a prophet chosen to relay this message of redemption, moping under a withering plant. After his tumultuous escape, the emotional roller coaster transports us from rebellion to prophetic responsibility, capturing how we, too, can wrestle with our assignments in life.

Fun trivia: Did you know that the story of Jonah is often chosen for its themes of mercy and forgiveness? His adventure reminds us that freely giving kindness and compassion—just as God does—is not only a core ideal but a challenging journey. Plus, Jonah's reluctance to forgive Nineveh harks back to deeper biblical echoes, urging us to reconsider whom we extend grace. It's a remarkable reminder that divine mercy extends beyond our comfort zones and can indeed prick our consciousness!