Jonah 1:8-9

8. The case seemed clear against Jonah. The sailors, however, do not condemn him unheard; they give him an opportunity to clear himself, if possible.

For whose cause this evil is upon us As in Jonah 1:7. After the decision by lot there could remain no question in the minds of the sailors as to the cause of the calamity. The only ground for putting the question to Jonah could be a desire to secure a confession from him. It should be noted, however, that LXX., B and several Hebrew manuscripts omit this question, and it may not be original.

The four questions which follow, and which are flung at the prophet in rapid succession, deal with his occupation, his home, and his nationality.

Occupation His occupation might possibly be offensive to the god of the tempest.

Whence City or town. The prophet’s home or people might be under a divine curse. The mystery could be cleared only by his answers. 9. Only the answer to the fourth question is stated; but Jonah 1:10 indicates that his reply was even more complete than they had requested; and it is quite possible that Jonah made a full confession. It seems that the rapid succession of startling events brought him to his senses, for throughout the rest of the chapter his bearing is pictured as dignified and manly; but it is a little too much to see in this change of attitude an evidence of conversion (compare especially chapter iv).

Hebrew The name used by the descendants of Abraham when speaking of themselves to foreigners (Genesis 40:15; Exodus 2:7; Exodus 3:18, etc.).

I fear Jehovah Not, I am afraid of, but, I am a worshiper of. He thus boldly acknowledges himself to be a servant of Jehovah; but there is no intention, as some have supposed, of claiming special piety or feigning innocence.

God of heaven A title of Jehovah indicating his supreme majesty; found chiefly in postexilic writings (Ezra 1:2; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 2:18, etc.).

Made the sea and the dry land He is the creator. What folly to attempt to escape from the presence of such a God (Jonah 1:3).