There was a story circulating that some wacko was in town, that he was preaching everywhere in the capitol. No doubt, he looked weird enough - with actions to match. He heard them laugh as he walked by, and he grew angry with himself and THE ONE WHO Sent him. He knew this would happen. He didn't know how he knew, but he just knew. And, he also knew the outcome.
They stopped laughing though, when they heard what he said. Ultimately, even government officials heard him and called for an Emergency Resolution, signed by the king himself. They responded proactively.
And, although the Quran indicates that Jonah represented Allah, The Bible makes it clear that he was sent by, and prayed to JHWH ELOHIM. This is an important distinction, and not merely from a literary perspective. Other major differences also exist.
Like Jonah previously, Nineveh was in a predicament. Their code, or laws of Hammurabi, failed to adequately alter their ambiguous behavior and defer their definite destruction. Similarly, into our adulterous and idolatrous world, HE Sent HIS Messenger, not Muhammad - but Jesus. At the Judgment of the Nations - and individuals - those from Nineveh (Iraq) shall fulfill HIS WORD.
When those in HIS Day demanded a sign, HE acquiesced as a Sign of Judgment. If Judgment ultimately came to 'that' nation who repented at the words of Jonah, what shall be The End of them that Won't - When A GREATER than Jonah Comes.......Again !
Shall HIS Judgment Come in our generation?
Atmospheric and meterological phenomena, Increased Seismic Activities + 500 year droughts + 500 year floods = famine, fire, disease, death and destruction.
What other sign do we NEED?