Page 148 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

The Book of Jonah, set in the days of the Assyrian empire,
describes it as an "exceedingly great city of three days' journey in
breadth", whose population at that time is given as "more than
120,000". The city wall was probably around 60 miles in
circumference with 15 magnificent gates and surrounded by a
moat of water. The Assyrians considered the city impregnable.

Their Religion
The Assyrians worshipped many gods
including a moon god, a sun god, a weather
god, a god of woodworkers, and ad infinitum.
But most Assyrians ignored all the multitude
of Gods and officially worshiped the god of
the nation, Ashur. Ashur was the “husband”
of Ishtar, as their gods took on human
relationships. They constructed elaborate
worship centers or temples to each of their
gods. The Assyrians were known to cook a
morning and evening meal and place it
before their idol images. Of course, it was never consumed, as their gods were
made of wood and stone.
Nineveh was also famous in the ancient world because it was a center for the
worship of Ishtar (Astarte) the fertility goddess. She, along with Asherah and
Anath, were one of three great goddesses of the Canaanite religion. She was
associated primarily with love and fertility. She was also associated with war
because pictures of her display her carrying weapons of war and was eventually
celebrated as Artemis. She is associated with Venus, the morning and evening star.
Offerings to Astarte typically included libations of food and drink. As with many
deities, offerings are an important component of honoring Astarte in ritual and prayer. Many gods and
goddesses of the Mediterranean and Middle East appreciate gifts of honey and wine, incense, bread,
and fresh meat.

The Bible condemns the worship of Astarte repeatedly (Judges 2:13, I Samuel 7:3). Solomon introduced
this goddess to Israel into Jerusalem and made an alter to worship her outside Jerusalem.
The occupants of the city worshipped false gods and lived totally immoral and debauched lives. Their
lifestyle was considered as evil as the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. As a result, they were considered
a detestable people to the Hebrews.

It is no wonder that Jonah, when told to go to Nineveh, took off the other direction. And when he finally
went to them and warned them of God’s imminent judgment, they repented of their wickedness. What
was Jonah’s response to their repentance? He was angry with God for giving them an opportunity to
repent! Jonah did not have God’s perspective on man. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his
promise… not willing that anyone would perish, but everyone come to repentance.

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