Jonah 1:3

Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

Study Bible

But Jonah
The verse begins with "But Jonah," indicating a contrast or a deviation from what was expected. Jonah, whose name means "dove" in Hebrew, is a prophet of God. The use of "But" suggests a turning point or a decision that goes against divine instruction. In the context of the narrative, Jonah's actions are in direct opposition to God's command, highlighting human free will and the struggle between divine will and personal choice.

ran away
The phrase "ran away" is significant as it denotes Jonah's deliberate attempt to flee from God's presence and command. The Hebrew root word here is "ברח" (barach), which means to flee or escape. This action reflects Jonah's fear, reluctance, or disagreement with God's mission for him. It is a physical manifestation of spiritual rebellion, illustrating the human tendency to avoid difficult or uncomfortable divine tasks.

from the presence of the LORD
This phrase underscores the futility of trying to escape from God, who is omnipresent. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "פני" (panim), often translated as "face." Jonah's attempt to flee from the "face of the LORD" is symbolic of trying to avoid God's watchful eye and authority. It serves as a reminder that God's presence is inescapable, and His plans are sovereign.

He headed for Tarshish
"Tarshish" is believed to be a distant port, possibly in modern-day Spain. The mention of Tarshish indicates Jonah's intention to go as far away as possible from Nineveh, where God had commanded him to go. This choice of destination reflects Jonah's determination to avoid his prophetic mission. Historically, Tarshish was known for its wealth and trade, symbolizing Jonah's attempt to find refuge in worldly pursuits rather than spiritual obedience.

He went down to Joppa
Joppa, known today as Jaffa, was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast. The phrase "went down" is not only a geographical description but also a spiritual metaphor. In biblical literature, "going down" often signifies a descent into disobedience or sin. Jonah's journey to Joppa marks the beginning of his physical and spiritual descent away from God's will.

and found a ship
The act of finding a ship represents Jonah's active pursuit of his own path. Ships in ancient times were symbols of commerce and exploration but also of risk and uncertainty. Jonah's decision to board a ship signifies his willingness to embrace uncertainty rather than submit to God's clear directive. It highlights the human tendency to seek control over one's destiny, even at the cost of divine disobedience.

bound for Tarshish
The repetition of "Tarshish" emphasizes Jonah's resolve to escape. The ship's destination reinforces the idea of Jonah's deliberate choice to flee as far as possible from God's command. It serves as a metaphor for the lengths to which people will go to avoid confronting their divine responsibilities.

So he paid the fare
Paying the fare indicates Jonah's investment in his rebellion. It suggests a conscious decision to commit resources to his flight from God. This action can be seen as a metaphor for the cost of disobedience, both materially and spiritually. It reminds believers that turning away from God's path often comes with a price.

and went aboard
Jonah's boarding of the ship signifies his full commitment to his chosen path of disobedience. It marks the point of no return, where Jonah has physically and spiritually embarked on a journey away from God's will. This act serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fully committing to a path that leads away from divine purpose.

to sail for Tarshish
The phrase "to sail for Tarshish" reiterates Jonah's intention and the direction of his flight. Sailing, in this context, symbolizes embarking on a journey that is contrary to God's plan. It serves as a reminder of the human inclination to chart one's own course, often in opposition to divine guidance.

away from the presence of the LORD
The verse concludes with a repetition of Jonah's attempt to flee "from the presence of the LORD," reinforcing the central theme of the futility of escaping God's omnipresence. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far one tries to run, God's presence is inescapable, and His plans will ultimately prevail. This repetition underscores the importance of submission to God's will and the peace that comes from aligning with His purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonah
A prophet of God, called to deliver a message to Nineveh, but chooses to flee instead.

2. Tarshish
A distant location, often associated with the farthest reaches of the known world, symbolizing Jonah's attempt to escape God's call.

3. Joppa
A port city where Jonah finds a ship to Tarshish, representing a point of decision and departure from God's directive.

4. The Ship
Represents Jonah's chosen means of escape, highlighting his determination to avoid God's command.

5. The Presence of the LORD
Indicates God's omnipresence and the futility of trying to escape His will.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Running from God
Jonah's attempt to flee illustrates the impossibility of escaping God's presence and plan. We must recognize that God's reach is infinite, and His purposes will prevail.

The Cost of Disobedience
Jonah's journey to Tarshish required him to pay a fare, symbolizing the personal cost of running from God's will. Disobedience often leads to unnecessary burdens and consequences.

God's Sovereign Call
Despite Jonah's reluctance, God's call remains steadfast. This teaches us that God's purposes are not thwarted by human resistance, and He often uses even our disobedience to fulfill His plans.

The Importance of Immediate Obedience
Jonah's account encourages us to respond promptly to God's directives. Delayed obedience can lead to complications and missed opportunities for blessing.

Reflecting on Our Own Tarshish
We should examine areas in our lives where we might be fleeing from God's call, seeking comfort or escape rather than fulfilling His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "Tarshish" destinations that people might flee to in order to avoid God's call, and how can we recognize them in our own lives?

2. How does Jonah's account challenge us to consider the cost of disobedience in our personal walk with God?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are sensitive and responsive to God's call, avoiding the pitfalls of delayed obedience?

4. How does the account of Jonah illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in His plans?

5. Reflect on a time when you tried to "flee" from a difficult task or calling. What did you learn from that experience, and how can Jonah's account inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Acts 10:5-6
Peter's vision in Joppa, where he receives a divine message, contrasts with Jonah's disobedience, showing Joppa as a place of significant spiritual encounters.

Matthew 12:39-41
Jesus references Jonah, highlighting his account as a sign of repentance and foreshadowing Christ's own death and resurrection.