Jonah 1:10

Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, "What have you done?" The men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Study Bible

Then the men were even more afraid
The phrase "even more afraid" indicates an escalation of fear among the sailors. In the Hebrew text, the word for "afraid" is "yare," which conveys a deep, reverential fear often associated with the divine. This fear is not merely a reaction to the storm but a recognition of the power and authority of Jonah's God. Historically, sailors were known to be superstitious, often attributing natural phenomena to the divine. Their increased fear suggests an acknowledgment of the LORD's sovereignty, a theme that runs throughout the book of Jonah.

and they said to him, 'What have you done?'
The question "What have you done?" is a rhetorical one, expressing shock and disbelief. In the Hebrew, the phrase is "mah-zot asita," which can imply a sense of moral outrage or incredulity. This question reflects the sailors' understanding that Jonah's actions have serious consequences. It also highlights a common biblical theme: the interconnectedness of human actions and divine response. The sailors' inquiry underscores the gravity of fleeing from God's presence, a concept deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of covenant and obedience.

For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD
The phrase "fleeing from the presence of the LORD" is central to understanding Jonah's predicament. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "panim," which literally means "face." To flee from God's presence is to attempt to escape His watchful eye and authority. This is a futile endeavor, as the psalmist declares in Psalm 139:7, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" Jonah's flight is symbolic of humanity's tendency to resist divine calling and authority, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

because he had told them
The phrase "because he had told them" indicates that Jonah had confessed his disobedience to the sailors. This admission is significant, as it reveals Jonah's awareness of his wrongdoing and the consequences of his actions. In the Hebrew narrative, confession often precedes repentance and restoration. Jonah's transparency with the sailors sets the stage for his eventual repentance and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This moment of honesty also serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging one's sins before God and others, a principle emphasized throughout the Bible.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonah
A prophet of God who is fleeing from God's command to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness.

2. The Sailors
Pagan mariners who are caught in a violent storm caused by Jonah's disobedience. They are initially unaware of Jonah's God and His power.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who commands Jonah and controls the sea and the storm.

4. The Sea
Represents the chaos and danger that ensues from Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence.

5. The Storm
A divine intervention by God to redirect Jonah and reveal His power to the sailors.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Fleeing from God
Jonah's attempt to escape God's presence is a reminder that God is omnipresent. We cannot hide from Him, and our disobedience will eventually be confronted.

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The storm illustrates God's control over nature. He uses creation to accomplish His purposes and to bring His people back to Him.

The Impact of Disobedience on Others
Jonah's disobedience endangered the lives of the sailors, teaching us that our actions can have significant consequences for those around us.

The Fear of the Lord
The sailors' fear upon realizing Jonah's God is the true God shows the beginning of wisdom. Recognizing God's power should lead us to reverence and obedience.

Confession and Accountability
Jonah's admission to the sailors about fleeing from God is a step towards accountability. We must be honest about our failures to begin the process of repentance and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jonah's attempt to flee from God compare to other biblical figures who tried to hide from God, and what can we learn from their experiences?

2. In what ways does God's sovereignty manifest in your life, especially in situations where you might be resisting His will?

3. How can we ensure that our actions, like Jonah's, do not negatively impact those around us, and what steps can we take to rectify situations when they do?

4. What does the sailors' reaction to Jonah's God teach us about the importance of sharing our faith and the reality of God's power with others?

5. How can we practice confession and accountability in our spiritual lives, and what role does this play in our relationship with God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 139:7-10
Highlights the impossibility of fleeing from God's presence, reinforcing the futility of Jonah's attempt to escape.

Acts 27
Paul's shipwreck experience, where God's sovereignty over the sea is again demonstrated, but with a different outcome due to obedience.

Genesis 3:8-10
Adam and Eve hiding from God, paralleling Jonah's attempt to flee, showing the human tendency to hide from God after disobedience.