Zobel said:
Jonah is an awesome book. Funny, poignant, cryptic... I love it.
But, the prophecy is true. "Overthrown" means turned over, overturned but it can also mean changed, or turned. Nineveh was certainly turned over.
As for Jonah knowing what God would do - yes. He knows the Lord is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger. That's why he didn't go to Nineveh. He's basically saying - THIS is why I didn't come! I knew if I did, they'd repent, and you'd spare them! He's throwing God's love and mercy back in God's face.
He doesn't want Nineveh to be saved, he wants it to be destroyed. He is supposed to be a prophet, but consistently does the wrong thing, the wrong way. He's a terrible prophet. Finally, when he does go, he does the bare minimum and preaches the world's worst sermon, and its wildly effective. So effective he wants to die rather than see the people repent and receive mercy. He's the same type as the brother of the Prodigal son.
Awesome synopsis. The central part of Jonah is his pride in being 'Gods chosen' and also that he hates other groups who do him wrong. God is clear, he wants all men to be saved. He doesn't hate the person you hate.
Jonah is a satire that cuts at its own reader's sin of pride.