יונה, פרק ד׳, פסוק ה׳

After delivering his prophecy inside Nineveh, the prophet isolates himself outside the city limits to observe the fate of its inhabitants. The exact timing of his departure is a matter of discussion. Some suggest the narrative steps back in time, describing an event that took place before the forty-day deadline expired [אבן עזרא]. Conversely, another perspective maintains a strict chronological order. In this view, immediately after delivering his message and witnessing the people repent, the prophet left to avoid associating with the wicked residents [אברבנאל].

He settled on the eastern side of the city [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because the region is intensely hot for most of the year, he built a small shelter and sat in its shade to protect himself from the sun [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His purpose in waiting there was to see what would ultimately happen to the city. Since he already knew that God had accepted the people's repentance and canceled the decree of destruction, his decision to wait raises a question about his expectations. One approach explains that he doubted the permanence of their change. He waited to see if they would quickly return to their old ways, which would cause the original decree to be reinstated [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another interpretation suggests he understood the total destruction of the city was averted, yet he believed the people could not escape entirely unpunished. He expected some partial strike against them or their temples, much like the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, where God forgave the nation from total ruin but still brought a plague upon them [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].