Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,
The expression "The word of the LORD came to" occurs over 100 times in the Old Testament. [Note: Alexander, p. 97.] The writer did not record how Jonah received the following message from the Lord. That is inconsequential here, though often in other prophetic books the method of revelation that God used appears. Likewise the time of this revelation is a mystery and unessential to the interpretation and application of this story. God’s actions are the most important feature in this prophecy.