Jonah 1:9

And he said unto them, I [am] an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry [land].

And he said {H559} unto them, I am an Hebrew {H5680}; and I fear {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of heaven {H8064}, which hath made {H6213} the sea {H3220} and the dry {H3004} land.

He answered them, "I am a Hebrew; and I fear ADONAI, the God of heaven, who made both the sea and the dry land."

“I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.”

And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear Jehovah, the God of heaven, who hath made the sea and the dry land.

Jonah 1:9 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, as the prophet, exposed as the cause of the violent storm, finally reveals his identity and the nature of his God to the terrified pagan mariners. This confession is rich with theological significance, even amidst Jonah's profound disobedience.

Context

Having been discovered by lot as the one responsible for the tempest, Jonah is questioned by the sailors about his country, people, and occupation. His answer in this verse is not merely a personal introduction but a profound theological declaration. He is speaking to men who worship various gods associated with specific domains (sea, wind, etc.), and he presents a God who is utterly supreme over all creation, including the very elements threatening their lives. This confession occurs after Jonah had actively tried to flee from the Lord's command to go to Nineveh, highlighting the tension between his knowledge of God and his actions.

Key Themes

  • Jonah's Identity as a Hebrew: By stating "I am an Hebrew," Jonah identifies himself as belonging to the covenant people of Israel, descendants of Abraham, chosen by the one true God. This declaration sets him apart from the surrounding pagan cultures and implies a deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
  • The Sovereignty of God: Jonah declares, "I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land." This is a powerful assertion of God's absolute control over all creation. He is not merely a tribal deity, but the Creator of the cosmos, whose power extends over the very elements (sea and land) that are currently causing their distress. This challenges the polytheistic worldview of the mariners and establishes the Lord's supremacy.
  • The Nature of "Fear the LORD": The phrase "I fear the LORD" (Hebrew: yareh YHWH) signifies a deep reverence, awe, and worship, not just terror. It implies acknowledging God's authority and sovereignty. While Jonah's actions prior to this moment demonstrated a profound failure to obey, his confession here reveals his theological understanding of who God is. This concept of reverence for God is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the God of heaven" (Hebrew: Elohei HaShamayim) is a majestic and transcendent descriptor, emphasizing God's supreme authority and universal dominion. It contrasts sharply with local or national deities, presenting the Lord as the ultimate ruler over all things, including the vast expanse of the sky and the powers governing it.

Practical Application

Jonah's confession reminds us that our true identity is found in our relationship with God, and that even in moments of our greatest failure or disobedience, we can still acknowledge His supreme power and sovereignty. This verse encourages us to:

  • Confess God's Supremacy: Like Jonah, we should boldly declare God as the Creator and controller of all things, especially when circumstances seem overwhelming.
  • Embrace True Reverence: Understanding what it means to "fear the LORD" involves not just acknowledging His power, but living in humble submission and obedience to His will.
  • Remember God's Control: Even when life feels like a raging storm, this verse reassures us that the God who made the sea and the dry land is ultimately in control, and He can calm any storm, both literal and metaphorical. His power is limitless, as He is the one who created all things from the beginning.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 146:5

    ¶ Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

  • Psalms 146:6

    Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein [is]: which keepeth truth for ever:

  • Psalms 95:5

    The sea [is] his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry [land].

  • Psalms 95:6

    O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

  • Nehemiah 9:6

    Thou, [even] thou, [art] LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all [things] that [are] therein, the seas, and all that [is] therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

  • 2 Kings 17:28

    Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.

  • Genesis 14:13

    ¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

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