The Pulpit Commentary - Jonah 1:6
Danger and devotion. The conduct of the seamen, who themselves, when encompassed 'by danger and when threatened by death, both called upon their gods and besought Jonah to imitate their prayers and vows, may have been superstitious in its accessories, but it was certainly right in principle. I. DANGER REMINDS US OF OUR OWN POWERLESSNESS . In the presence of the great forces of nature—the hurricane, the earthquake, the volcano—man feels his own physical feebleness and... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Jonah 1:6
The shipmaster; literally, the chief of the ropemen ; Vulgate, gubernator ; Septuagint, ὁ πρωρεύς , "the look out man." The captain. What meanest thou, O sleeper? How canst thou sleep so soundly when our danger is so imminent? If thou canst help us in no other way, at least ask the aid of Heaven. It was the duty of a prophet of the Lord to take the lead in prayer; but here the prophet's stupor is rebuked by the heathen's faith. Call upon thy God. The sailors' prayers had... read more