1. This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry.
2. So he complained to the lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.
3. Just kill me now, lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
4. The lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
5. Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.
6. And the lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.