1 But this really upset[a] Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 He prayed to the Lord and told him, “Lord, wasn't this what I said when I was back home?[b] That's why I ran away to Tarshish in the first place! For I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, very patient[c] and full of kindhearted love, who relents from sending disaster. 3 So just kill me now, Lord, because I'd prefer to die than to live!”

4 The Lord responded, “Do you have a good reason to be so angry?”[d]

5 Jonah left the city and sat down to the east of it. There he made himself a shelter so he could sit in the shade and watch what would happen to the city. 6 The Lord God had a plant grow up and provide shade over Jonah's head to ease his discomfort. Jonah was very happy with the plant. 7 The next day at dawn the Lord had a maggot attack the plant and it withered. 8 Then as the sun came up the Lord arranged for a scorching east wind to blow, and the sun beat down on Jonah's head so that he became faint and wanted to die. “I'd rather die than live!” he said.

9 But the Lord asked Jonah, “Do you have a good reason to be so angry about the plant?”