--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is a payoff for examining the…" description: "\"“There is a payoff for examining the divine author's literary style. It will tell you something about Him. Whereas, Jonah's actions are extensively des..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/952/michael-ben-zehabe-10139_astonishing_there-is-a-payoff-for-examining-the-divi_659976.jpg" --- # There is a payoff for examining the divine author's… ![“There is a payoff for examining the divine author's literary style. It will tell you something about Him. Whereas, Jonah's actions are extensively described and laboriously detailed, God's reactions (although miraculous) are only described in sparse, minimalist terms. God seems much more amused by…” quote by Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/952/michael-ben-zehabe-10139_astonishing_there-is-a-payoff-for-examining-the-divi_659976.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/952/michael-ben-zehabe-10139_astonishing_there-is-a-payoff-for-examining-the-divi_659976.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/952/michael-ben-zehabe-10139_astonishing_there-is-a-payoff-for-examining-the-divi_659976.jpg) > ““There is a payoff for examining the divine author's literary style. It will tell you something about Him. Whereas, Jonah's actions are extensively described and laboriously detailed, God's reactions (although miraculous) are only described in sparse, minimalist terms. God seems much more amused by Jonah than Jonah is with God. Every miracle is directed at Jonah. Yet, very little copy is used to described God's miracles. Although God's miracles are much more astonishing than Jonah's immature fits of rebellion, more copy is dedicated to Jonah.”” [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. God’s miracles are described minimally, focusing on human reaction, suggesting divine humor and a narrative emphasis on human experience. **In simple terms:** Divine actions are brief, highlighting human response. Key Takeaway Notice how stories prioritize human perspective. Themes theology literary analysis narrative focus Mood analytical contemplative Type explanatory inspirational When to use this quote - sermons - Bible study - academic papers - faith discussions Key Concepts minimalist description divine humor human agency Questions to Reflect On - Why does the text limit divine description? - How does this affect belief? A Different Perspective Minimalism may obscure divine power for some readers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Dedicated](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dedicated/) [Forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiveness/) [God's Miracles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gods-miracles/) [Homeschool](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/homeschool/) [Jonah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jonah/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Miracle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miracle/) [Miraculous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miraculous/) [Rebellion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rebellion/) [Reconciliation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reconciliation/) ## Related quotes > [“The Bible frequently uses symmetries and inversions. By such comparisons (parallels and contrasts) the unique aspects of reality begin to emerge. Comparing two objects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/the-bible-frequently-uses-symmetries-and-inversions-by-such/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“The Greeks were more preoccupied with, where these ousted gods resided. That is: The fallen son's of God could go where humans were, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/the-greeks-were-more-preoccupied-with-where-these-ousted-gods-resided/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“It has always been difficult for Jews to take Christians serious, mostly because Christians lack the fundamentals that religious Jews learn in their youth.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/it-has-always-been-difficult-for-jews-to-take-christians-serious/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“And God does have a personality. He can't hide from us. His personality shines through every Hebrew letter, on every page. Sometimes we forget…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/and-god-does-have-a-personality-he-can-t-hide-from-us-his-personality/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“For those who think religious people live in a constant state of fear and quaking, compare Ps 111:10 to Ps 112:7. There, you will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/for-those-who-think-religious-people-live-in-a-constant-state-of-fear/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“The book of Jonah becomes an embarrassing and public reading of your family business.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/the-book-of-jonah-becomes-an-embarrassing-and-public-reading-of-your/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“The nature of a letter can also be revealed within its numeric value. All letters and numbers behave in a certain but recognizable way,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/the-nature-of-a-letter-can-also-be-revealed-within-its-numeric-value/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“This is a simple study. Yet, you can use this book to see deeper into the personality of God. I find it heartwarming that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/this-is-a-simple-study-yet-you-can-use-this-book-to-see-deeper-into/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“At Ge 1:1 God used a matrix of sevens: (1) Seven words. (2) 28 letters (28 ÷ 4 = 7). (3) First three words…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/at-ge-1-1-god-used-a-matrix-of-sevens-1-seven-words-2-28-letters-28-4/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Jonah can't see how Assyria could serve any useful purpose. How could this commission better Israel? Jonah might even fear that God will reverse…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/jonah-can-t-see-how-assyria-could-serve-any-useful-purpose-how-could/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“We should expect nothing less from the language that was originally given by God, to His human family. Hebrew was the method that God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/we-should-expect-nothing-less-from-the-language-that-was-originally/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Adam was told to name the animals. Adam studied each kind and gave them a name based on his observations. Every animal “kind” has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/adam-was-told-to-name-the-animals-adam-studied-each-kind-and-gave/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Not only does every Hebrew word have its own definition, but every Hebrew letter, within the word, has its own meaning. God placed before…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/not-only-does-every-hebrew-word-have-its-own-definition-but-every/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“About 4,400 years ago 8 people stepped off Noah’s ark. According to the United Nations Population Growth Statistics, the world’s population grows at about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/about-4-400-years-ago-8-people-stepped-off-noah-s-ark-according-to/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“If this letter system works, it should be reproducible and consistent. If this letter system works, it should be demonstrated in biblical narrative—with consistency.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/if-this-letter-system-works-it-should-be-reproducible-and-consistent/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) ## More by Michael Ben Zehabe > [“God forces us to quantify our religious tenants by measuring them against the family problems they solve. If your religious beliefs aren't solving family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/god-forces-us-to-quantify-our-religious-tenants-by-measuring-them/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Would you marry you? Be the right person before seeking the right person. 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Since the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/there-is-so-much-information-in-one-hebrew-word-that-translators-are/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Beware young brides: The cruelest behaviors on earth are done in the name of, what some call, 'love.' Therefore, the Shulamite does a much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/beware-young-brides-the-cruelest-behaviors-on-earth-are-done-in-the/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“The Bible frequently uses symmetries and inversions. By such comparisons (parallels and contrasts) the unique aspects of reality begin to emerge. Comparing two objects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/the-bible-frequently-uses-symmetries-and-inversions-by-such/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“All Abraham's sons were taught that God would progressively reveal Himself. God's wholeness has yet to be realized. There will always be gaps in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/all-abraham-s-sons-were-taught-that-god-would-progressively-reveal/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Like your marriage, everything in the universe is trying to find its orbit. In the midst of this constant readjustment, both partners should be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/like-your-marriage-everything-in-the-universe-is-trying-to-find-its/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“About 4,400 years ago 8 people stepped off Noah’s ark. According to the United Nations Population Growth Statistics, the world’s population grows at about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/about-4-400-years-ago-8-people-stepped-off-noah-s-ark-according-to/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Members of the flock who demand accountability from sick leaders are quietly pushed out the back door. Mother-Judah had become that kind of leader—a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/members-of-the-flock-who-demand-accountability-from-sick-leaders-are/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“Regardless of our assessment of Elimelech, Naomi lost her husband. 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Adam studied each kind and gave them a name based on his observations. Every animal “kind” has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/adam-was-told-to-name-the-animals-adam-studied-each-kind-and-gave/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) > [“From Genesis to Revelation, holy text is all about relationships and the limitless flavors of those relationships. It is the duty of mankind to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-ben-zehabe/from-genesis-to-revelation-holy-text-is-all-about-relationships-and/) [Michael Ben Zehabe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) [Explore all 67 Michael Ben Zehabe quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ben-zehabe/) ## More Astonishing quotes > [It's astonishing what you learn and feel and see along the way. 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Lee > [“What is astonishing is that we, who had no idea how anything was going to turn out, now know exactly what happened.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-roth/what-is-astonishing-is-that-we-who-had-no-idea-how-anything-was-going/) [Philip Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-roth/) > [It's a great historical joke that when the Spanish met the Aztecs, it was a blind date made in serve-you-right heaven. At the time,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-a-gill/it-s-a-great-historical-joke-that-when-the-spanish-met-the-aztecs-it/) [A. A. Gill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-a-gill/) > [It was astonishing when at one point, I got the idea of how to make artifical clouds with a collaborator, we had pictures made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benoit-mandelbrot/it-was-astonishing-when-at-one-point-i-got-the-idea-of-how-to-make/) [Benoit Mandelbrot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benoit-mandelbrot/) > [Although there may be nothing new under the sun, what is old is new to us and so rich and astonishing that we never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robertson-davies/although-there-may-be-nothing-new-under-the-sun-what-is-old-is-new-to/) [Robertson Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robertson-davies/) > [The astonishing thing for me is that I had a career before politics and I never thought about my colour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-gyimah/the-astonishing-thing-for-me-is-that-i-had-a-career-before-politics/) [Sam Gyimah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-gyimah/) > [“There is no denying it; one must admit that there is something astonishing about Christianity. 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Even more astonishing is what passes for knowing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-roth/all-that-we-don-t-know-is-astonishing-even-more-astonishing-is-what/) [Philip Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-roth/) > [Still more astonishing is that world of rigorous fantasy which we call mathematics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-bateson/still-more-astonishing-is-that-world-of-rigorous-fantasy-which-we/) [Gregory Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-bateson/) > [“No one ever said aloud any of the kinds of things he was so constantly thinking, because no one in the parish, not Alice,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-von-arnim/no-one-ever-said-aloud-any-of-the-kinds-of-things-he-was-so/) [Elizabeth von Arnim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-von-arnim/) > [If you worry less about what people think of you, you can pick up an astonishing amount of information about them. 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