The people of Nineveh believed the message from God and they announced a fast. Everyone put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. Even the king of Nineveh did so. He made a proclamation throughout Nineveh that no man, beast, herd or flock was to eat or rink anything and be covered with sackcloth and cry out mightily to God. He demanded every soul turn from their evil way and perhaps God's anger would be calmed and they would not be destroyed.

NINEVEH AND JONAH TARSHISH LESSON WITH NINEVEH AND JONAH TARSHISH EXPLANATION AND NINEVEH AND JONAH TARSHISH SUMMARY

           Here is a lil Daily Bread crumb for ya ... "Sackcloth" was a custom of mourning in the Middle East region. They would wear a very coarse cloth or goat or camel hair. I bet it was uncomfortable and a constant reminder of what you had done wrong while wearing it. "Fasting" is where they would not eat or drink for a said period of time. This would deprive the flesh of nourishment which would bring forth their Spiritual side making their senses keener. As far as the "Ashes" ... They would cover themselves with dirty sooty ash as to show they were dirty with sin. They didn't throw a quick apology up to God and carry on as usual, NO WAY ... They repented.

           Well, the people of Nineveh must have been sincere in their repenting for their sins cuz it worked and God forgave them and decided not to destroy the city. It was their earnest, heartfelt plea for forgiveness that brought forth the forgiveness. Kinda makes you want to be a lil more sincere the next time you need forgiveness from our Father does it not?