JONAH 1

JONAH ATTEMPTS TO FLEE TO JOPPA

God calls Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh, warning them to repent from their wickedness and turn towards God. Instead, Jonah does the opposite of God’s instruction, fleeing to a boat and leaving for the city of Joppa from Tarshish.

While on the boat, God causes great winds and storms upon the water. Afraid for their lives, the sailors on the boat ask Jonah if he knows the reason for the storm. Jonah confesses that he was fleeing from God, the Creator of the land and the sea. Jonah realizes that his defiance is the cause of the storm and urges the sailors to throw him overboard and let him drown.

At first, the sailors refuse, wanting to spare Jonah’s life. But as the storm continues, they realize they have no choice. Asking God to not hold them accountable for the death of Jonah, they threw Jonah into the ocean.

After throwing Jonah overboard, the storm subsides. The sailors recognize God’s sovereignty and they pray and offer sacrifices. Jonah fled to avoid sharing God’s goodness, but the sailors experienced the very outcome that Jonah was trying to avoid. God’s divine plans cannot be thwarted by disobedience!

Instead of drowning to his death as he expected, Jonah is swallowed by a giant sea creature, as appointed by God. Jonah stays inside the belly of the animal for three days and three nights.