Regardless of the book’s date, it is reasonable to conclude that the writer intended to address the notion of God’s exclusive concern for the Jewish people by emphasizing the inclusive nature of God’s mercy and compassion. As a satire, the story of Jonah could be intended to highlight the ridiculousness of Israel’s continued stubborn refusal to repent despite repeated prophetic pleadings and pronouncements of doom. In this case, the writer wants Israel and Judah to wake up and be ashamed for failing