The point is often missed, but the 40 days in Jonah (40 indicates testing, judgment, etc.) is parallel to the Matthew discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem (Mat. 23,24). From the ministry of Christ to the destruction of the temple, we have 40 years. In Matthew the Jews kill the prophets (23:37) and fill the measure of their guilt. Consequently, they are judged by Messiah. In Jonah, the prophet is not killed, but accepted. His message leads to repentance and the Ninevites become the recipients of grace.
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