4 But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. 5 Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” 7 And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” 9 So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”
10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows.
Now as Jonah’s ship headed in the opposite direction God commanded him to go, so the Lord in His perfect timing responds to Jonah’s move away from Him. "But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up." vs. 4
Notice first that it is the Lord who causes the storm to arise. This was no random act of "nature". This was the direct hand of Almighty God stepping into Jonah's life to stop His servants ongoing disobedience to Himself. Therefore as we will see perils in our lives can be the means by which God draws us to Himself, or back to Himself, as will be the case with Jonah. And so the ships men fearing for their lives; being exceedingly terrified of this mighty tempest that was threatening to destroy the ship and them with it; each one cries out to his “god”, that is their idols, but their “gods” did not lesson the tempest. Which is a lesson for us all now. For whoever or whatever is our "god" now, better be able to save us when our lives storms arise.
The Scripture also says in desperation that the ships crew threw its cargo overboard into the sea to lighten the ship, to keep it from breaking up, and they going down with it. And thus in a last ditch effort to save themselves, the men throw out the ships cargo, and with it any chance they would've had to profit from it. For when it's all said and done, all of one's worldly pursuits and pleasures will mean nothing but suffering eternal loss if one was never reconciled to God through the Lord Jesus Christ in this life. In this Jesus warns us all to examine our lives before Him, in this life, while we can. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:36-38
Maybe it's time then to seek the Lord and call upon His Name (Isaiah 55:6-7). For in the Lord Jesus Christ's Name there is salvation from sin, judgment and eternal damnation for all who turn to God and in faith receive Him (John 1:12). "For whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved!" Rom. 10:13
Now in contrast to the ships fearing crew who was discarding the ships cargo in attempt to save themselves. Jonah from the onset had gone down into the depths of the ships hull. "But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep." vs. 5 Again the same Hebrew word that was twice used in verse three is used here again to describe Jonah’s having gone down. Yet Jonah seems neither worried, nor inclined to seek the Lord at this time, even while the ship and its crew was in peril of being taken by the sea; the cargo already being lost to it. Now this word is also Scripturally used to describe death or going down to the grave. Jonah’s "going down" then was not only bringing him near to it, but also those around him. For secret sins never have secret consequences (Num. 32:23). The idea then that by my sinning "I'm not hurting anyone" as the cliche goes, is never the reality. Sin always has consequences, and it always has ripple affects that inevitably harm others.
Verse six then opens with the ships captain coming to Jonah and saying: …“What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” The captain's words then are a stern rebuke to the stubborn prophet who seems bent on having his own way and having nothing to do with the "pagans" whom God wants him to preach too. While verse seven says that the ships men in desperation to find out who amongst them was the cause of this trouble coming upon them, cast lots. For there is a general belief amongst all peoples that troubles in one's life must have an origin: "For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground" Job 5:6 And thus these men with their lives on the line sought out an answer the only way they knew how by casting lots, an ancient practice, to see who was the cause of this trouble. Now casting lots is also a Biblical means to understanding God's will (1 Chr. 24:31; 25:8; 26:13; Acts 1:26 etc.). However before you start cast lasting lots as a means to discern God's will for you. It should be noted that for us in the church after the selection of Matthias as an Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot there is no more mentioning of casting lots amongst Christ's disciple's. For with the Holy Spirit's outpouring it is now the Spirit of God who sets His seal and approval on those whom Christ has chosen and called (Acts 13:2-3). And thus we as followers of Jesus Christ are to be Spirit led and guided by God; by His Word and His Spirit in our lives, especially regarding church affairs. Though here these men don't yet know God. Yet it was for Jonah whom this storm had arisen. And thus the Lord in His Providence answers them by lot (Prov. 16:33). And so verse seven concludes by saying that the lot fell to Jonah. If Jonah than thought that as a prophet of God he could avoid obeying the will of God to warn the people of Nineveh of God's imminent judgment, and thus avoid being realized by these men as a servant of God, by hiding in the depth’s of a ships hull, he was gravely mistaken. For just as a Christian can no more conceal their true identity in the world, even though they seek to hide themselves in the depths of it, so it is here with Jonah. For what we truly are always comes out (Acts 1:8). And so Jonah once previously unknown to the ships crew, is now at the center stage, with the men asking Jonah: …“Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” vs. 8
Five questions, in a sort of fearful rapid succession, are now fired off at Jonah by the ships crew.
“For whose cause is this trouble.” Or as the NIV puts it: "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?" In other words they are saying to Jonah, what have you done to bring all of this trouble on us? And thus their questioning Jonah is more of an indictment of Jonah's person than an inquiry. Though it's not Jonah's person or character that needs to be called into question. It's his disobedience to the Will of the Lord, which these men are unaware of as of yet.
“What is your occupation?” Probably the most common question men first ask each other, and or use to asses another. Though it is no measure of ones person or character. Consider that Jesus Christ never regarded the "person of man" as if by these the true man, or the truth, would be made known (Matt. 22:16). Therefore whether one is a President or policeman, or even a priest or pastor, one cannot know the nature of the man, or his guilt or innocence regarding anything, simply by his occupation.
“Where do you come from?” Another frequently used question by men to asses another, and or their character. This is especially true where geographic locals or one's socio-economic standing has come to mean that someone has two strikes already against them! However one's stature in life, or anywhere else, never reveals one's character or person. For good and evil men (and women) are found amongst poor and rich, and in low and high places. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan was given to shatter God's people's unjust biases (Luke 10:29-37).
“What is your country?” Another faulty “character test” which all to often leads to showing partiality, something God does not do (Acts 10:34). For nationalism is not the means by which God's people, or even Godly and righteous people are known. People are not inherently just or unjust simply because they belong to a certain nation (Rom. 3:23). Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ didn't just die for one nation, or to exalt one nation. He was crucified and rose from the dead so that He might gather all nations, people's, tribes, tongues (i.e. languages) to Himself. If you got biases then towards one, or against another, throw them out! For there not fitting the Kingdom of Heaven and it's citizens.
“And of what people are you?” Probably the most discriminatory and useless way to asses a person’s character. This can be anything from ethnicity, to even religious, or non-religious affiliation.
Now in response to their questioning him Jonah responds by saying: “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Vs. 9 Jonah’s declaration then is simple and to the point. Not that he is a Jew from a certain religious, social or geographical segment of it. Rather he indeed is a Hebrew who fears the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. Jonah then unequivocally identifies himself with the one true God and nothing else. Now with Jonah’s reply the Scripture says: “Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.” Vs. 10
Now there are two different words used to describe the crews and Jonah’s fear of God. And though they are linked a distinction in this case should be made. Their fear of God was from a polytheistic outlook; which grew exceedingly as Jonah declared to them that it was his God alone, who made the sea and the dry land, who made this storm arise, a storm that none of their “gods” could quell. Therefore their fear was not only of the storm, or the consequences it presented to their lives, but more directly of the God whom Jonah had offended by His disobedience, which brought these events about. While the word Jonah uses to describe his own fear of the Lord is far more frequently the Word used to describe a relational fear of the Lord, especially in the Psalms (Ps. 22:23, 25; 25:12, 14; 31:19; 33:18; 34:7, 9; 60:4; 61:5; 66:16; 85:9; 103:11, 13, 17; 111:5; 115:11, 13; 118:4; 119:74, 79; 128:1, 4; 135:20; 145:19; 147:11) where it is exclusively used that way. Nonetheless Jonah’s profession of fearing the Lord is seriously marred by his actions in fleeing from the Presence of the Lord; for which he is rebuked by these men. Since it is Jonah’s sin, which has put their very lives in danger. However with Joanh's revelation of Yahweh to them, the men realize if there is any hope for their lives it must be by obedience to Jonah’s God and not their own “gods.” Therefore Jonah’s shipmates ask him: ...“What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Vs. 11-12
In the midst of this ferocious storm Jonah’s words must have seemed surreal to them. For to throw a man into the seas raging waters would surely mean his end! Yet the ships crews supplications to their own “god’s” did nothing to calm the sea, and they were now aware that it was Jonah’s God who was the source of their peril. Nonetheless instead of heeding Jonah’s words the Scripture says that the men (likely fearing Jonah's words) rowed hard and tried to make for land. But the “…sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows. Vs. 13-16
Notice that five times that the men to whom Jonah just revealed the Covenant Name of God too, used that very Covenant Name to appeal to Him! Since these men were in the midst of having a first hand encounter with the Living God they responded as men do who encounter God, with great fear! For when the Eternal God manifests Himself or His Power to mortal man there is always a quickening of one's person and ones obedience towards Him. Now several other things also took place that we should consider. First before they did this God did not relent. The storm continued to rage and grow more tempestuous even after Jonah confessed the name of the Lord. Only when Jonah was thrown into the sea did God cause the storm to cease. Thus not until God's Will was obeyed did the sea cease to rage. Therefore repentance always precedes deliverance. Whether this is an acknowledgement of ones sin, disobedience or even ones own helplessness. Repentance; that is a changing of ones mind, which leads to a changing of ones will, is where God meets us before He ceases our storms. For it is God, in His great love for us, who allows or creates circumstances that cause our own strength, resources or resolve to run out. That is one of the many and great mercies of our Heavenly Father that He draws many to Himself through the many distresses of this life (Ps. 117:23-31). For it is the Lord alone whose Mighty hand saves those who cannot save themselves (Consider Deut. 32:36; Psalm 7:1; 31:2, 16; 44:6; 54:1; 55:16; 57:3; 59:2; 69:1; 71:2, 3; 86:16; 108:6; 109:26; 116:16; 119:94, 146; 138:7; Isaiah 38:20; 45:22).
The second very noticeable thing is that it was the ships mariners who realizing that they could'nt outrun the storm, cry out to the Lord, and pray to the Lord, using the Lord's Covenant Name, not Jonah. Jonah though a prophet of God is noticably silent. Yet they having done all they could do to avoid throwing Jonah into the sea, they were the ones charged to do this through Jonah’s word. And thus they were exceedingly fearful of the Lord charging them with shedding innocent blood for doing so. For truly this was an unorthodox way to bring about a prophets obedience, and their deliverance from the storm. Therefore their petition of the Lord is to not to charge them with innocent blood for what they were about to do; that is throw Jonah into the sea, and thus to a certain death “…for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” Vs. 15
The third thing that that they yielded to will of the Lord, something Jonah had not yet done. Though it might be said that they were coerced into taking that course of action. It was the Lord’s will for them, and they obeyed it, which is never unwise. While Jonah was not yet submitting himself to will of the Lord. He had to have the men throw him into the sea! Jonah though is not unique in his actions. People who know the Lord can refuse to do the will of the Lord. God having granted us all, as His image bearers a free will, makes that a very real possibility. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can refuse to do the will of the Lord when God reveals His will to them. Clearly then Jonah presents that attitude here, which again is not unique to him. Nonetheless God’s plans are never thwarted by mans. God always accomplishes His purposes. And He accomplishes them even when His own children disobey Him. Indeed God already knew how Jonah was going to react to His command even before He sent him to preach to Nineveh. And thus these events are not so much a reaction to Jonah’s disobedience, but a anticipation by God, which He Himself weaves into His salvation plans for humanity. And thus they will be used by Him to reveal the future coming of the Son of Man. Therefore God having forced their hands, He will bring Jonah to the place where they can meet and where Jonah's pride can be broken. For truly God (in spite of Jonah's ongoing defiance to His will) provided a fearful and powerful witness for Himself to these men whom Jonah's path had crossed, even while he was trying to flee from the presence of the Lord. And thus the Lord brought about a Witness for Himself and good for others, in that these men had an encounter with the Living God even as His chastening hand was upon Jonah.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Note: This is an ongoing study of the Book of Jonah and it may undergo changes as I edit it. It will chronologically continue in the next blog entry.
10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” 13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows.
Now as Jonah’s ship headed in the opposite direction God commanded him to go, so the Lord in His perfect timing responds to Jonah’s move away from Him. "But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up." vs. 4
Notice first that it is the Lord who causes the storm to arise. This was no random act of "nature". This was the direct hand of Almighty God stepping into Jonah's life to stop His servants ongoing disobedience to Himself. Therefore as we will see perils in our lives can be the means by which God draws us to Himself, or back to Himself, as will be the case with Jonah. And so the ships men fearing for their lives; being exceedingly terrified of this mighty tempest that was threatening to destroy the ship and them with it; each one cries out to his “god”, that is their idols, but their “gods” did not lesson the tempest. Which is a lesson for us all now. For whoever or whatever is our "god" now, better be able to save us when our lives storms arise.
The Scripture also says in desperation that the ships crew threw its cargo overboard into the sea to lighten the ship, to keep it from breaking up, and they going down with it. And thus in a last ditch effort to save themselves, the men throw out the ships cargo, and with it any chance they would've had to profit from it. For when it's all said and done, all of one's worldly pursuits and pleasures will mean nothing but suffering eternal loss if one was never reconciled to God through the Lord Jesus Christ in this life. In this Jesus warns us all to examine our lives before Him, in this life, while we can. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:36-38
Maybe it's time then to seek the Lord and call upon His Name (Isaiah 55:6-7). For in the Lord Jesus Christ's Name there is salvation from sin, judgment and eternal damnation for all who turn to God and in faith receive Him (John 1:12). "For whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved!" Rom. 10:13
Now in contrast to the ships fearing crew who was discarding the ships cargo in attempt to save themselves. Jonah from the onset had gone down into the depths of the ships hull. "But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep." vs. 5 Again the same Hebrew word that was twice used in verse three is used here again to describe Jonah’s having gone down. Yet Jonah seems neither worried, nor inclined to seek the Lord at this time, even while the ship and its crew was in peril of being taken by the sea; the cargo already being lost to it. Now this word is also Scripturally used to describe death or going down to the grave. Jonah’s "going down" then was not only bringing him near to it, but also those around him. For secret sins never have secret consequences (Num. 32:23). The idea then that by my sinning "I'm not hurting anyone" as the cliche goes, is never the reality. Sin always has consequences, and it always has ripple affects that inevitably harm others.
Verse six then opens with the ships captain coming to Jonah and saying: …“What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” The captain's words then are a stern rebuke to the stubborn prophet who seems bent on having his own way and having nothing to do with the "pagans" whom God wants him to preach too. While verse seven says that the ships men in desperation to find out who amongst them was the cause of this trouble coming upon them, cast lots. For there is a general belief amongst all peoples that troubles in one's life must have an origin: "For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground" Job 5:6 And thus these men with their lives on the line sought out an answer the only way they knew how by casting lots, an ancient practice, to see who was the cause of this trouble. Now casting lots is also a Biblical means to understanding God's will (1 Chr. 24:31; 25:8; 26:13; Acts 1:26 etc.). However before you start cast lasting lots as a means to discern God's will for you. It should be noted that for us in the church after the selection of Matthias as an Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot there is no more mentioning of casting lots amongst Christ's disciple's. For with the Holy Spirit's outpouring it is now the Spirit of God who sets His seal and approval on those whom Christ has chosen and called (Acts 13:2-3). And thus we as followers of Jesus Christ are to be Spirit led and guided by God; by His Word and His Spirit in our lives, especially regarding church affairs. Though here these men don't yet know God. Yet it was for Jonah whom this storm had arisen. And thus the Lord in His Providence answers them by lot (Prov. 16:33). And so verse seven concludes by saying that the lot fell to Jonah. If Jonah than thought that as a prophet of God he could avoid obeying the will of God to warn the people of Nineveh of God's imminent judgment, and thus avoid being realized by these men as a servant of God, by hiding in the depth’s of a ships hull, he was gravely mistaken. For just as a Christian can no more conceal their true identity in the world, even though they seek to hide themselves in the depths of it, so it is here with Jonah. For what we truly are always comes out (Acts 1:8). And so Jonah once previously unknown to the ships crew, is now at the center stage, with the men asking Jonah: …“Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” vs. 8
Five questions, in a sort of fearful rapid succession, are now fired off at Jonah by the ships crew.
“For whose cause is this trouble.” Or as the NIV puts it: "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us?" In other words they are saying to Jonah, what have you done to bring all of this trouble on us? And thus their questioning Jonah is more of an indictment of Jonah's person than an inquiry. Though it's not Jonah's person or character that needs to be called into question. It's his disobedience to the Will of the Lord, which these men are unaware of as of yet.
“What is your occupation?” Probably the most common question men first ask each other, and or use to asses another. Though it is no measure of ones person or character. Consider that Jesus Christ never regarded the "person of man" as if by these the true man, or the truth, would be made known (Matt. 22:16). Therefore whether one is a President or policeman, or even a priest or pastor, one cannot know the nature of the man, or his guilt or innocence regarding anything, simply by his occupation.
“Where do you come from?” Another frequently used question by men to asses another, and or their character. This is especially true where geographic locals or one's socio-economic standing has come to mean that someone has two strikes already against them! However one's stature in life, or anywhere else, never reveals one's character or person. For good and evil men (and women) are found amongst poor and rich, and in low and high places. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan was given to shatter God's people's unjust biases (Luke 10:29-37).
“What is your country?” Another faulty “character test” which all to often leads to showing partiality, something God does not do (Acts 10:34). For nationalism is not the means by which God's people, or even Godly and righteous people are known. People are not inherently just or unjust simply because they belong to a certain nation (Rom. 3:23). Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ didn't just die for one nation, or to exalt one nation. He was crucified and rose from the dead so that He might gather all nations, people's, tribes, tongues (i.e. languages) to Himself. If you got biases then towards one, or against another, throw them out! For there not fitting the Kingdom of Heaven and it's citizens.
“And of what people are you?” Probably the most discriminatory and useless way to asses a person’s character. This can be anything from ethnicity, to even religious, or non-religious affiliation.
Now in response to their questioning him Jonah responds by saying: “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Vs. 9 Jonah’s declaration then is simple and to the point. Not that he is a Jew from a certain religious, social or geographical segment of it. Rather he indeed is a Hebrew who fears the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. Jonah then unequivocally identifies himself with the one true God and nothing else. Now with Jonah’s reply the Scripture says: “Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.” Vs. 10
Now there are two different words used to describe the crews and Jonah’s fear of God. And though they are linked a distinction in this case should be made. Their fear of God was from a polytheistic outlook; which grew exceedingly as Jonah declared to them that it was his God alone, who made the sea and the dry land, who made this storm arise, a storm that none of their “gods” could quell. Therefore their fear was not only of the storm, or the consequences it presented to their lives, but more directly of the God whom Jonah had offended by His disobedience, which brought these events about. While the word Jonah uses to describe his own fear of the Lord is far more frequently the Word used to describe a relational fear of the Lord, especially in the Psalms (Ps. 22:23, 25; 25:12, 14; 31:19; 33:18; 34:7, 9; 60:4; 61:5; 66:16; 85:9; 103:11, 13, 17; 111:5; 115:11, 13; 118:4; 119:74, 79; 128:1, 4; 135:20; 145:19; 147:11) where it is exclusively used that way. Nonetheless Jonah’s profession of fearing the Lord is seriously marred by his actions in fleeing from the Presence of the Lord; for which he is rebuked by these men. Since it is Jonah’s sin, which has put their very lives in danger. However with Joanh's revelation of Yahweh to them, the men realize if there is any hope for their lives it must be by obedience to Jonah’s God and not their own “gods.” Therefore Jonah’s shipmates ask him: ...“What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Vs. 11-12
In the midst of this ferocious storm Jonah’s words must have seemed surreal to them. For to throw a man into the seas raging waters would surely mean his end! Yet the ships crews supplications to their own “god’s” did nothing to calm the sea, and they were now aware that it was Jonah’s God who was the source of their peril. Nonetheless instead of heeding Jonah’s words the Scripture says that the men (likely fearing Jonah's words) rowed hard and tried to make for land. But the “…sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the LORD and said, “We pray, O LORD, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the LORD and took vows. Vs. 13-16
Notice that five times that the men to whom Jonah just revealed the Covenant Name of God too, used that very Covenant Name to appeal to Him! Since these men were in the midst of having a first hand encounter with the Living God they responded as men do who encounter God, with great fear! For when the Eternal God manifests Himself or His Power to mortal man there is always a quickening of one's person and ones obedience towards Him. Now several other things also took place that we should consider. First before they did this God did not relent. The storm continued to rage and grow more tempestuous even after Jonah confessed the name of the Lord. Only when Jonah was thrown into the sea did God cause the storm to cease. Thus not until God's Will was obeyed did the sea cease to rage. Therefore repentance always precedes deliverance. Whether this is an acknowledgement of ones sin, disobedience or even ones own helplessness. Repentance; that is a changing of ones mind, which leads to a changing of ones will, is where God meets us before He ceases our storms. For it is God, in His great love for us, who allows or creates circumstances that cause our own strength, resources or resolve to run out. That is one of the many and great mercies of our Heavenly Father that He draws many to Himself through the many distresses of this life (Ps. 117:23-31). For it is the Lord alone whose Mighty hand saves those who cannot save themselves (Consider Deut. 32:36; Psalm 7:1; 31:2, 16; 44:6; 54:1; 55:16; 57:3; 59:2; 69:1; 71:2, 3; 86:16; 108:6; 109:26; 116:16; 119:94, 146; 138:7; Isaiah 38:20; 45:22).
The second very noticeable thing is that it was the ships mariners who realizing that they could'nt outrun the storm, cry out to the Lord, and pray to the Lord, using the Lord's Covenant Name, not Jonah. Jonah though a prophet of God is noticably silent. Yet they having done all they could do to avoid throwing Jonah into the sea, they were the ones charged to do this through Jonah’s word. And thus they were exceedingly fearful of the Lord charging them with shedding innocent blood for doing so. For truly this was an unorthodox way to bring about a prophets obedience, and their deliverance from the storm. Therefore their petition of the Lord is to not to charge them with innocent blood for what they were about to do; that is throw Jonah into the sea, and thus to a certain death “…for You, O LORD, have done as it pleased You.” Vs. 15
The third thing that that they yielded to will of the Lord, something Jonah had not yet done. Though it might be said that they were coerced into taking that course of action. It was the Lord’s will for them, and they obeyed it, which is never unwise. While Jonah was not yet submitting himself to will of the Lord. He had to have the men throw him into the sea! Jonah though is not unique in his actions. People who know the Lord can refuse to do the will of the Lord. God having granted us all, as His image bearers a free will, makes that a very real possibility. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can refuse to do the will of the Lord when God reveals His will to them. Clearly then Jonah presents that attitude here, which again is not unique to him. Nonetheless God’s plans are never thwarted by mans. God always accomplishes His purposes. And He accomplishes them even when His own children disobey Him. Indeed God already knew how Jonah was going to react to His command even before He sent him to preach to Nineveh. And thus these events are not so much a reaction to Jonah’s disobedience, but a anticipation by God, which He Himself weaves into His salvation plans for humanity. And thus they will be used by Him to reveal the future coming of the Son of Man. Therefore God having forced their hands, He will bring Jonah to the place where they can meet and where Jonah's pride can be broken. For truly God (in spite of Jonah's ongoing defiance to His will) provided a fearful and powerful witness for Himself to these men whom Jonah's path had crossed, even while he was trying to flee from the presence of the Lord. And thus the Lord brought about a Witness for Himself and good for others, in that these men had an encounter with the Living God even as His chastening hand was upon Jonah.
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Note: This is an ongoing study of the Book of Jonah and it may undergo changes as I edit it. It will chronologically continue in the next blog entry.
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