Jonah 1:7

"Come!" said the sailors to one another. "Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.

Study Bible

Come, let us cast lots
The phrase "Come, let us cast lots" reflects an ancient practice used to discern divine will or to make decisions. The Hebrew word for "lots" is "goral," which refers to small stones or pieces used in decision-making. Casting lots was a common practice in the ancient Near East, including among the Israelites, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., Leviticus 16:8, Joshua 18:6). It was believed that God controlled the outcome, thus revealing His will. This practice underscores the sailors' desperation and their belief in a higher power's involvement in their predicament.

that we may know
The desire "that we may know" indicates a quest for understanding and truth. The Hebrew root "yada" means to know or perceive, suggesting a deep, experiential knowledge. The sailors sought clarity and insight into the cause of their distress. This reflects a universal human desire to understand the reasons behind suffering and calamity, pointing to a recognition of moral and spiritual dimensions in life's events.

on whose account this calamity has come upon us
The phrase "on whose account this calamity has come upon us" reveals the sailors' belief in a personal cause for their misfortune. The Hebrew word for "calamity" is "ra'ah," often translated as evil or disaster. This reflects an ancient worldview where personal actions could invoke divine retribution. The sailors' inquiry suggests an understanding of justice and accountability, recognizing that their plight might be due to someone's wrongdoing.

So they cast lots
The repetition of the action "So they cast lots" emphasizes the sailors' commitment to discovering the truth. It also highlights the communal nature of their decision-making process. In the biblical context, casting lots was not seen as mere chance but as a means for God to reveal His will. This act of casting lots demonstrates their reliance on divine intervention to resolve their crisis.

and the lot fell on Jonah
The outcome "and the lot fell on Jonah" signifies divine sovereignty and intervention. The Hebrew word "naphal" means to fall or be assigned, indicating that Jonah was singled out by God's providence. This moment marks a turning point in the narrative, as Jonah's disobedience is brought to light. It serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His ability to use even human methods to accomplish His purposes. Jonah's identification as the cause of the storm sets the stage for his eventual repentance and the unfolding of God's mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jonah
A prophet of God who is fleeing from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh. His disobedience leads to a series of events that affect not only him but also those around him.

2. Sailors
The crew on the ship bound for Tarshish. They are non-Israelites who find themselves in a life-threatening storm and seek to understand the cause of their predicament.

3. Casting Lots
An ancient practice used to discern divine will or make decisions. In this context, it is used to identify the cause of the storm.

4. The Storm
A divinely sent tempest that threatens to destroy the ship, serving as a catalyst for the events that follow.

5. The Sea
Represents chaos and danger, often used in Scripture as a symbol of God's power and judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Even in human practices like casting lots, God's will prevails. This reminds us that God is in control of all circumstances, both great and small.

Accountability and Responsibility
Jonah's disobedience affects those around him, teaching us that our actions have consequences not only for ourselves but also for others.

Seeking Divine Guidance
The sailors' decision to cast lots reflects a desire to understand divine will. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture.

God's Pursuit
Despite Jonah's attempt to flee, God pursues him. This demonstrates God's relentless pursuit of His purposes and His people.

Repentance and Obedience
The account encourages us to turn back to God and obey His commands, recognizing that His plans are for our good and His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of casting lots in Jonah 1:7 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this understanding to our decision-making processes today?

2. In what ways do our personal actions and decisions impact those around us, as seen in Jonah's account?

3. How can we seek God's guidance in our lives, and what practices can we adopt to ensure we are aligned with His will?

4. Reflect on a time when you tried to avoid a responsibility or calling. How did God work in that situation to bring you back to His purpose?

5. How does the account of Jonah and the sailors encourage us to trust in God's power and presence during the storms of our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:33
This verse highlights that while humans may cast lots, the outcome is determined by the Lord, emphasizing God's sovereignty over seemingly random events.

Acts 1:26
The apostles cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot, showing the continued use of this practice in seeking God's guidance.

Psalm 107:23-30
Describes sailors in a storm who cry out to the Lord, paralleling the sailors' experience in Jonah and illustrating God's power to calm the seas.