Posture is greater than position.

Jonah 1:4–17

vv.4–6—The LORD refuses to let Jonah go away into exile but instead creates a powerful, life-threatening storm.

v.4—”Great” wind and “Mighty” tempest are the same words, showing readers that all God does is strong and mighty. The ship groaned as if it were going to break under the battering waves.

v.5—The sailors have no clue that Jonah is responsible for the storm and that the LORD is stirring up the sea. Meanwhile, as the men are scrambling on deck to lighten their load and appease the gods, Jonah is “dead” asleep down below deck in the lowest part of the ship.

Disobedience is always a descent in the direction of death.

In the ancient Near East, the god of the sea was called “Yam,” and he fought with a god on the land named “Baal.” The sailors could believe they were caught up in the middle of one of their feuds.

v.6—The captain wakes Jonah and says, “Arise and cry out!” This command echoes the command God gave Jonah in verse 2. The captain has no clue who Jonah’s god is. All he can do is hope that this god will see them and be gracious. The captain expects nothing but hopes for mercy.

vv. 7–10—The men cast lots to see who is responsible for the storm. As a result, Jonah reveals to the men who he is and what he is doing—fleeing from the Lord’s prophetic call on his life.

v.7—Casting lots was a permissible practice for the people of Israel. In Exodus 28:30, God told Aaron to hold the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece on his garment. It was meant for judgment and discernment. The sailors seek discernment and hope to be led to the truth.

v.8–9—The men confront Jonah, and he tells them that he is a Hebrew (Israelite) and that he fears the God of heaven, who made the sea and dry land (it is not a battle between gods, there is only one God, the LORD.)

v.10—The men are terrified by their situation because Jonah told them everything.

The word “great” (gadol in Hebrew) occurs six times in this passage.

vv.11–17—The men are forced to make a tough decision and hope that the true God of heaven will deal mercifully with them.

vv.11–12—The men ask Jonah what to do. He tells them to throw him overboard. Jonah chooses death over obedience.

The sea is described as walking. It images the waters rolling/marching into the side of the ship.

v.13—The men don’t like this option. God is already upset with Jonah, and they don’t want Him angry with them too.

v.14—The men pray to the LORD. They call Him by His covenantal name. And they share profound thoughts regarding God—He is sovereign and does as He pleases. They only hope that the LORD will be merciful to them.

vv.15–16—The men toss Jonah into the sea, and the storm stops (Stands at attention). As a result, the men fear the LORD and devote themselves uniquely to Him. They offer sacrifices and pledge their loyalty to Him.

v.17—God refuses to let Jonah escape his calling and appoints a great fish to swallow him.