"[T]he people of Nineveh believed God;
they proclaimed a fast"
They were quick to believe. He was only a day into the city but they were so sincere that Jonah's word outpaced him and converted them all. The king did not use his greatness as an excuse to exclude himself. Words of repentance are hard to hear, especially if we think ourselves great but Nineveh was humle and so heard God's word for what it was.
"A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn."
But our hearts are proud and resist humility. We are unlike the people of Nineveh. If we were truly humble we would see the fast you proclaim as a great gift and mercy rather than a challenge or burden. We would be so eager that we would encompass all of the material order in our response even as the king involved "[m]an and beast". Therefore "clean heart create for me and a steadfast spirit renew within me." Bring us to the place where we can offer the sacrifice that will please you, a "contrite spirit".
Don't let us fail to notice true greatness in you. In seeing this in you we can find the humility which you desire in us.
"at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here."
The LORD is greater than Jonah. He is greater than Solomon. His wisdom is unmatched. He says he won't give a sign to that generation but it is because he is the ultimate sign to every generation in himself. Change our hearts, LORD, so that we might see you clearly.
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