The answer is: 120,000

Jonah 4:11 - That is those who could not distinguish between good and evil.

The Book of Jonah isn't just a tale about a runaway prophet and a big fish; it's a fascinating exploration of compassion and divine mercy. When we're told that 120,000 inhabitants of Nineveh couldn't "discern their left hand from their right," it invites reflective meditation on righteousness, innocence, and moral understanding.

Interestingly, many interpret this phrase to signify children or innocents—those who have yet to grasp the complexities of good and evil. This lays a foundation for the mercy displayed in the story! God’s pivotal act of sparing a city teeming with ignorance and misguided living challenges the conventional boundaries of solidarity often framed along strict moral lines.

Did you know that Nineveh, located in present-day Iraq, was one of the oldest and most significant cities of the ancient Assyrian Empire? Repenting en masse—from the king to the livestock—at Jonah’s proclamation underscores an impressive cultural shift towards understanding consequences and accountability.

Furthermore, Jonah’s venture brings to mind other prophetic figures—like Amos or Hosea—who also wrestled with themes of social justice and divine compassion towards nations seen as in moral decline. Fostering forgiveness and accepting mistakes becomes central here. So whenever you hear about those 120,000 people, think of it not merely in terms of numbers, but as a pivotal reminder of the opportunities humanity has for growth and redemption, regardless of its flaws!