Jonah 4:1

IV.
JONAH’S DISCONTENT AND CORRECTION.

(1) But it displeased Jonah. — The Hebrew (it was evil to) is stronger. The prophet was vexed and irritated.

He was very angry. — Literally, it (anger) burnt to him. David’s feeling at the death of Uzziah (2 Samuel 6:8; 1 Chronicles 13:11) is described in the same terms. Selfish jealousy for his own reputation, jealousy for the honour of the prophetic office, a mistaken patriotism disappointed that the great enemy of his country should go unpunished, Jewish exclusiveness which could not endure to see the Divine clemency extended to the heathen, have each been adduced as the motive of Jonah’s anger. Possibly something of all these blended in his mind.