SUMMARY
God appoints a storm to disturb the ship, and the sailors pray to their gods for help. JonahJonah son of Amittai was a rebellious prophet who fled from the Lord's command, only to be delivered by a big and fish and bring about the repentance of Nineveh. More is awakened from sleep so he can pray as well. When the sailors cast lots to see who is to blame for the storm, the lot falls on Jonah, who tells the sailors that he is a Hebrew and running away from God. Jonah wants them to throw him overboard, but the sailors try to row the ship to land. The storm persists so the sailors offer a prayer to God and throw Jonah overboard.
ANALYSIS
This section of the first chapter describes in humorous detail the consequences of Jonah’s disobedience. It is a story about the prophet’s interaction with sailors and a ship captain under duress. When the storm appears, the sailors appeal to their gods and throw the ship’s cargo overboard to calm the sea. Meanwhile, Jonah is asleep. Some readers see a sharp distinction between the piety of Jonah and his fellow sailors. Others see Jonah’s actions here as a trauma response, a withdrawal.
They decide to cast lots to discern the person at fault. The action is a divinatory practice used in the ancient world to determine God’s (or the gods’) will. When the lot falls to Jonah, the sailors inquire about him and his identity. The sailors’ questions and Jonah’s answer contain some irony since he openly shares about his worship of God, yet he is running away from God.
The sailors want to know what to do with Jonah, and Jonah suggests that they throw him overboard. Are his desires here selfless (he’s willing to die for others) or does he truly want to die to get away from God and the situation?
