And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle?
Ver. 11. And should not I spare Nineveh] I, who am all bowels (Ego emphaticum. Mercer); I, who am a sin pardoning God, Nehemiah 10:31, none like me for that, Micah 7:18; I, who am "the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort," 2 Corinthians 1:3, whose property and practice it is to comfort "those that are cast down," 2 Corinthians 7:6; I, who am so transcendently gracious, that thou hast even hit me in the teeth with it, John 4:2; should not I be affected with the destruction of Nineveh?
That great city] See Trapp on " Jon 1:2 " See Trapp on " Jon 3:3 " See Trapp on " Jon 3:4 " Yea, I will spare it, since it is ten thousand times more worth than that gourd of thine so much pitied.
Wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons] More than twelve myriads of innocent infants that cannot discern, &c., but live a kind of sensitive life, as not yet come to the use of reason, and are therefore matched and mentioned with beasts.
And also much cattle] A part of my care, which have had their share, as they could, in the common humiliation; and shall therefore share in the common preservation. And hast thou a heart to repine at this, and not to be set down with so good reason? Jonah is now sad and silenced; and although we hear no further of him, yet methinks I see him (Job-like) laying his hand upon his mouth in a humble yieldance; yea, putting his mouth in the dust, and saying, "Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further," Job 40:5. "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: for thou hast caused me to understand wherein I have erred. How forcible are right words!" Job 6:24,25 .