Jonah and the Meaning of Our Lives: A Verse-By-Verse Contemporary Commentary

by Steven M. Bob

The Book of Jonah stands unique among the biblical books of the prophets because it is almost entirely narrative. And, in contrast to all the other prophets portrayed as admirable individuals who bravely speak God’s word, Jonah stands out as flawed and fleeing from God. We are drawn to Jonah because God gives him an opportunity to redeem himself. His experience inspires us to find our own second chances—and our own paths to meaningful growth.


Jonah and the Meaning of Our Lives draws on commentaries of Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Kimchi, Abarbanel, and the Malbim, as well as contemporary culture and personal experiences to reveal the hidden meanings of this perplexing biblical story. In so doing, it explores many of the larger questions and topics we face, including human nature, our relationship with God, and how we understand ourselves and lead our lives. Rabbi Steven Bob’s verse-by-verse commentary intimately connects the ancient wisdom of the text with the reality of our own lives, providing us with inspiration and guidance.
 
              

251 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a recent Bible Study on Jonah I thought it would be good to have a commentary from a Jewish point-of-view. Please note that I am a Lutheran Pastor in Australia :)

I found this book from Rabbi Bob to be very easy to read. That the Rabbi had a good knowledge of Christian Theology and History, and dealt with the Christian handling of this Hebrew text very respectfully. When looking at the Rabbinical handling of the text, he often used both someone he agreed with as well as an alternative view. His illustrations, whilst very American, were quite good and often yielded valuable insight for the verse being examines.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I learnt a little more about Judaism in the process, which is also good :)

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This verse by verse analysis of the Book of Jonah is a perfect book for reading as part of an adult study exploration of Jonah. It gives participants English translations of key Jewish commentators, Rashi, Arbabenel, Ibn Ezra, Kimchi. It allows us to see how they agree or disagree. And it gives us modern examples, personal stories to help us relate directly to Jonah. It was a great way to prepare for the high holidays and Yom Kippur when Jonah is read in its entirety in the afternoon.

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verse by verse commentary on one of the most enigmatic book in the Bible.
I liked very much author's personal perspective linked with the medieval Jewish commentaries and modern explanations.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an unusual book; even the homiletics parts were OK. What the author did: He had a brief chapter or essay (~3 pgs) on each individual VERSE of the book of Jonah. Sounds ridiculous, but Jonah is a short book! For each verse, he talked about interpretations of that verse over the centuries, focusing on 5 classical commentators (Rashi, 11th c.; Ibn Ezra, 12th c.; Kimchi, 12-13th c.; Abarbanel 15th c.; and Malbim, 19th c.); followed usually by an anecdote or two, often humorous, often personal; which then led into some homiletic point, made with a light touch. I enjoyed reading it, & I also give it credit for originality!