Jonah 1:4 - Exposition

Sent out; Septuagint, ἐξήγειρε , "raised;" literally, cast forth, or hurled, a great wind, like the Euroclydon of Acts 27:14 , and what is called nowadays a Levanter. Pusey quotes Josephus's account of the harbour of Joppa and the neighbouring sea, which, he says, is rendered very dangerous by the sudden rise of "the black north wind" ('Bell. Jud.,' 3.9. 3). Here we see wind and storm fulfilling God's word ( Psalms 148:8 ). As Tertullian says—

" Si Dominum in terris fugiens, invenit in undis ."

"Flying the Lord on earth, he found him in the sea."

Was like to be broken; literally, thought to be dashed in pieces . Wordsworth contrasts the living consciousness and apprehension of the ship with the lethargy of the prophet now lying fast asleep in the hold ( Acts 27:5 ). Septuagint, ἐκινδύνευε τοῦ συντριβῆναι , "was in danger of being broken up."