Jonah 1:16 - Exposition

Feared the Lord. They recognized the supernatural element in the transaction, and conceived an awe and fed, of Jehovah, who had wrought these wonders Offered a sacrifice unto the Lord. Many commentators think that they sacrificed on reaching shore, as they had thrown the cargo overboard, and would have had no animal to offer. The Chaldee renders accordingly, "They said that they would offer sacrifices." But the text implies that they sacrificed immediately on the cessation of the storm. They may naturally have had some animal on board fit for offering. And made vows. Vowed to make other offerings when it was in their power. Henderson compares Virgil, ' AE neid,' 3.403, etc.—

" Quin, ubi transmissae steterint trans aequora classes

Et positis aris jam vota in litore solves ."

"And when thy fleet hath safely crossed the seas,

And, raising altars on the shore, thy vows

Thou shalt perform."

It has been supposed that these sailors embraced Judaism and became proselytes. At any rate, they showed themselves in the light of believers on this occasion.