Jonah 4:1

Displeased. The first clause reads literally, “It was evil unto Jonah, a great evil.”

Chapter 4 displays a striking contrast between the impatience of the human heart and the long-suffering of God. Jonah was more than displeased; he was highly indignant that “God repented of the evil” (ch. 3:10). Instead of rejoicing that God’s grace had forgiven the penitent Ninevites, he allowed his selfish and sinful pride to make him resentful. Because what he predicted did not come to pass, he felt he would be regarded as a false prophet. Reputation was to him of more value than all the souls in the Assyrian capital.

He may also have reasoned that the Lord’s knowledge of the future would be discredited among the heathen because of this unfulfilled prophecy.

Very angry. The mercy of God toward the Ninevites (ch. 3:10) enraged Jonah. Divine mercy had spared his own life when he was disobedient, but he was jealous when God extended the same mercy toward others.