Jonah 1:7

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

And they said {H559} every one {H376} to his fellow {H7453}, Come {H3212}, and let us cast {H5307} lots {H1486}, that we may know {H3045} for whose cause {H7945} this evil {H7451} is upon us. So they cast {H5307} lots {H1486}, and the lot {H1486} fell {H5307} upon Jonah {H3124}.

Then they said to each other, "Come, let's draw lots to find out who is to blame for this calamity." They drew lots, and Yonah was singled out.

โ€œCome!โ€ said the sailors to one another. โ€œLet us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.โ€ So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.

And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Commentary

In Jonah 1:7, the desperate mariners aboard the storm-tossed ship seek to identify the cause of the immense peril they face. Realizing the storm is no ordinary weather phenomenon, they resort to a common ancient practice: casting lots.

Context

The prophet Jonah, tasked by God to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh, has instead chosen to flee to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). God, however, sends a mighty storm to intercept him. The pagan sailors, initially crying out to their own gods and frantically throwing cargo overboard, eventually conclude that a supernatural force is at play, targeting someone on their vessel. This verse marks the moment they seek to pinpoint the individual responsible for this divine wrath, and the lot falls squarely on Jonah.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Even in a seemingly random act like casting lots, God's hand is evident. The outcome is not by chance but divinely directed to reveal Jonah's disobedience and God's control over all circumstances, including the elements (Psalm 107:25).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Jonah's flight from God's command brings severe trouble not only upon himself but also upon innocent people around him. This highlights how personal sin can have far-reaching, negative effects on a community, a principle seen elsewhere in scripture, such as with Achan's sin affecting Israel.
  • Pagan Recognition of Divine Judgment: The mariners, despite their polytheistic beliefs, recognize that the storm is a sign of divine displeasure and that someone among them has incurred the wrath of a powerful deity. Their pagan methods of divination are supernaturally overruled by God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cast lots" translates the Hebrew word goral (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), which refers to a pebble or small object used for making decisions or determining fate. While often used by pagans, the Bible also records instances where lots were used by God's people to discern His will or allocate portions (e.g., Leviticus 16:8 for the scapegoat, or Acts 1:26 to choose Matthias). Proverbs 16:33 affirms that "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord," underscoring divine oversight in such events, as clearly demonstrated here in Jonah's case.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences, and disobedience to God's calling can impact others significantly. It also reaffirms God's sovereign control over all things, even when humans use seemingly random methods to seek answers. For believers today, it encourages introspection: are there areas of our lives where we might be fleeing God's will, and what might be the broader impact of that choice? Ultimately, the lot falling on Jonah was God's way of bringing His servant to account and setting the stage for his repentance and obedience.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 16:33 (7 votes)

    ยถ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

  • Joshua 7:13 (5 votes)

    Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

  • Joshua 7:18 (5 votes)

    And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41 (4 votes)

    Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect [lot]. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

  • 1 Samuel 14:42 (4 votes)

    And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

  • 1 Samuel 10:20 (4 votes)

    And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

  • 1 Samuel 10:21 (4 votes)

    When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.