Jonah is one of the twelve Minor prophets. God called Jonah to testify to the people of Ninevah. Jonah, however, rebelled, and fled on a ship headed for Tarshish. A storm arose; the sailors cast lots and determined that Jonah is to blame. The sailors tossed Jonah overboard; he was swallowed by a large fish, and remained in the fish's belly for three days and three nights. Jonah prayed for forgiveness. God forgave Jonah, and the fish spit him out on the shore.
Jonah testified to the people of Ninevah, who repented of their evil ways. Jonah, however, grew bitter. God taught him a lesson by causing a plant to grow and provide Jonah with shade; then a worm bit the plants' roots, and the plant withered. Jonah protested, but God pointed out that if Jonah was so concerned with a simple plant, he should be so much more concerened with the people of Ninevah.
Jonah is alsop mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25-27 as a prophet of the northern kingdom of Israel, who predicted the restoration of the ancient boundaries of the kingdom.