Jonah - Chapter 1

Jonah 1.1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Jonah 1.2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. Jonah 1.3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1.4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Jonah 1.5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. Jonah 1.6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. Jonah 1.7 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah. Jonah 1.8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou? Jonah 1.9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. Jonah 1.10 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. Jonah 1.11 Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. Jonah 1.12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Jonah 1.13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Jonah 1.14 Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. Jonah 1.15 So they look up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Jonah 1.16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Jonah 1.17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah : Chapter 1

Jonah's Flight: A Call to Reflection

Chapter 1 of the book of Jonah recounts the flight of the reluctant prophet. Why does Jonah try to escape God's call? This dramatic text introduces us to Jonah's divine mission to preach in Nineveh and his attempted escape to Tarshish. This first part of the book highlights the storm sent by God and Jonah's casting into the sea.

Deep Themes to Explore

Jonah 1 raises fundamental questions about obedience, divine sovereignty, and the extent of God's mercy. We invite you to explore with us five Bible passages that broaden your understanding of the themes of calling and obedience presented in this intriguing chapter.

Relevant Bible Passages

Matthew 12:40: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great whale, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." This passage highlights how Jesus uses Jonah's experience as a prophetic sign of his own death and resurrection.

2 Kings 14:25: "He restored the borders of Israel from Lebohamath to the Sea of ​​Arabia, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet of Gath-hepher." This verse provides historical context for Jonah, mentioning him as a recognized prophet in Israel.

Psalm 107:23-25: "And others went out to sea in ships, to trade on great waters, and saw the works of the Lord, his wonders in the depths. He spoke and stirred up a wind that stirred up the waves." This psalm describes a storm at sea, recalling Jonah's experience in chapter 1.

Acts 27:18-19: "The next day, while the storm continued unabated, they began to throw the cargo into the sea. On the third day, they themselves, with their own hands, threw the ship's equipment into the sea." Paul's experience during a storm at sea echoes that of Jonah, both of whom faced danger at sea.

Romans 1:16: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek." This verse reflects the universal theme of God's salvation, contrasting with Jonah's initial reluctance to preach to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

Jonah's flight challenges us to consider our own response to God's call. Are we willing to obey, even when the task seems difficult or uncomfortable? By meditating on these passages, may we grow in our faith and understanding of God's will for our lives.