The account of the sailors' fear and actions is primarily found in the Book of Jonah, specifically in Jonah 1:4-16. This narrative provides a vivid depiction of the natural human response to divine intervention and the recognition of God's sovereignty over creation.

Context and Setting

The account unfolds as Jonah, a prophet of the Lord, attempts to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. The sailors, likely Phoenicians given their maritime expertise, are initially unaware of Jonah's disobedience to God. The setting is the Mediterranean Sea, a common route for ancient trade and travel.

The Storm

In Jonah 1:4, the Lord sends a great wind upon the sea, resulting in a violent storm that threatens to break the ship apart. The text states, "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart." This divine act is a direct response to Jonah's attempt to escape God's presence, illustrating God's control over nature.

The Sailors' Fear

The sailors' fear is immediate and palpable. Jonah 1:5 describes their reaction: "The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load." Their fear is twofold: a natural fear of the storm and a spiritual fear, as they recognize the storm's supernatural origin. Their actions reflect a common ancient practice of seeking divine intervention through prayer to various deities, highlighting their polytheistic beliefs.

Casting Lots

In their desperation, the sailors cast lots to determine the cause of the calamity, a practice used in ancient times to discern divine will. Jonah 1:7 records, "Come, let us cast lots, so we may know on whose account this calamity has come upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah." The casting of lots reveals Jonah as the source of their trouble, further intensifying their fear and curiosity about his identity and actions.

Jonah's Confession and the Sailors' Response

Upon questioning, Jonah confesses his identity as a Hebrew who worships "the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land" (Jonah 1:9). This revelation terrifies the sailors even more, as they realize they are dealing with the God of creation. Jonah's admission of fleeing from the Lord prompts the sailors to ask what they should do to calm the sea.

The Sacrifice and Vows

Jonah instructs them to throw him into the sea, acknowledging that the storm is his fault. Reluctantly, the sailors comply after attempting to row back to land without success. Jonah 1:15-16 describes the outcome: "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this, the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him." The calming of the sea upon Jonah's removal confirms the Lord's power, leading the sailors to fear and worship Him, abandoning their previous gods.

Theological Implications

The sailors' fear and actions underscore several theological themes. First, the narrative highlights God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to use natural events to fulfill His purposes. Second, it illustrates the universal recognition of God's power, as even pagan sailors come to fear and worship Him. Lastly, the account serves as a testament to God's mercy, as the sailors' lives are spared, and they are led to acknowledge the true God.

This account of the sailors' fear and actions in the Book of Jonah provides a profound insight into human responses to divine intervention and the acknowledgment of God's supreme authority over all creation.