Jonah 1:1-17
Q.1. What was Nineveh like? What was Jonah called to do? What happened when he didn’t obey God? What made the sailors question the reason for the severity of the storm? – (Jon.1:1-11)
Nineveh was built by Noah’s great-grandson Nimrod, on the banks of the Tigris River (Gen.9:8-12). For many years it was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were fierce and cruel warriors. This may explain why Jonah boarded a ship and tried to flee in the opposite direction. Jonah ministered during the wicked reign of Jeroboam II, when he delivered the Word of the Lord to Israel in their affliction (2 Kgs.14:23-27). He was the only prophet to minister to non-Jewish people. This, along with the Book of Ruth, confirmed that God cares deeply about all people of all nations (c.f. Gen.12:3; 22:18). Sailors would be used to severe storms. However, this was a storm that – the Lord hurled (Jon.1:4) against the ship. It caused the sailors to conclude that it was divine intervention (Jon.1:8, 11 & 14).
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Q.2. How did the sailors discover the identity and calling of Jonah? What view of the greatness of God did Jonah declare to them? – (Jon.1:7-12)
They first tried to lighten the ship by throwing their cargo overboard. When they found Jonah sleeping, they scolded him for not calling on his God. Nothing worked, so they – … cast lots so we may learn on whose account this calamity has struck us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah (Jon.1:7). When they interrogated him, Jonah told them – … “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord … (Jon.1:9-10). He told them the storm would be stilled if they threw him into the sea. They resisted throwing the prophet to his doom. However, they were engaged in a losing battle – … for the sea was becoming even stormier against them (Jon.1:13).
Q.3. What made them hesitant to throw Jonah into the turbulent sea? How did the storm impact on their view of God? Was this the end for Jonah? – (Jon.1:13-17)
The sailors had a fear of God. They reluctantly picked Jonah up, but not before they cried out – … “We earnestly pray, O Lord, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O Lord, have done as You have pleased.” (Jon.1:14). The change was immediate. The storm ceased so dramatically, that – the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows (Jon.1:16). They were given convincing proof that the God of the Hebrews was indeed the Maker of Heaven and earth and sea (Jon.1:9). There was no hope for Jonah, BUT GOD – … appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights (Jon.1:17)