God rebukes the prophet.
Jonah replies, “I would I were dead.”
God asks if it is to be wondered at that He should help His handy work.
Is not Jonah angry that his woodbine is destroyed, which cost him no labour?
God is not to be blamed for taking pity upon people that He made.
Should He destroy Nineveh the sorrow of such a sweet place would sink to His heart.
In the city there are little bairns who have done no wrong.
And there are others who cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand.
There are also dumb beasts in the city incapable of sinning.
Judgment must be tempered with mercy.