Jonah 1:4

¶ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

But the LORD {H3068} sent out {H2904} a great {H1419} wind {H7307} into the sea {H3220}, and there was a mighty {H1419} tempest {H5591} in the sea {H3220}, so that the ship {H591} was like {H2803} to be broken {H7665}.

However, ADONAI let loose over the sea a violent wind, which created such stormy conditions that the ship threatened to break to pieces.

Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart.

But Jehovah sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

Commentary

Context of Jonah 1:4

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the book of Jonah. Previously, the prophet Jonah had received a direct command from God to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness (Jonah 1:2). However, instead of obeying, Jonah fled in the opposite direction, boarding a ship bound for Tarshish, seeking to escape God's presence (Jonah 1:3). Jonah 1:4 reveals God's immediate and powerful response to Jonah's disobedience, initiating the dramatic sequence of events that follow.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The phrase "the LORD sent out" is crucial. It emphasizes that the storm was not a random natural occurrence but a direct act of divine will. God is actively involved in human affairs, even to correct His disobedient servants. This highlights God's inescapable presence and ultimate authority over creation.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Jonah's flight from God's will immediately brings severe consequences, not only for himself but also for the innocent sailors on board. The "mighty tempest" threatens their lives and livelihoods, illustrating how one person's disobedience can have far-reaching negative impacts on others.
  • God's Relentless Pursuit: This storm is God's way of pursuing Jonah, demonstrating His determination to bring His prophet back into alignment with His purpose. It shows that God does not abandon His plans or His chosen instruments, even when they stray. His corrective actions are often rooted in a desire for restoration and obedience.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "sent out" is heṭîl (הֵטִיל), which literally means to "hurl" or "cast." This conveys the imagery of God actively and forcefully throwing the wind into the sea, emphasizing the deliberate and powerful nature of His intervention.
  • The term "great wind" (rûaḥ gĕdôlâ - רוּחַ גְּדֹלָה) and "mighty tempest" (saʿar gādôl - סַעַר גָּדוֹל) both use the Hebrew adjective gadol, meaning "great" or "mighty." This repetition underscores the immense power and severity of the storm, making it clear that this was no ordinary weather event but a divinely orchestrated force. The word ruach itself can mean "wind," "breath," or "spirit," subtly hinting at the very breath or spirit of God behind the storm.

Practical Application

Jonah 1:4 serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot truly run from God or His call on our lives. When we attempt to evade His will, God often intervenes, sometimes through difficult circumstances, to redirect us. This verse encourages introspection: are we actively pursuing God's purpose, or are we, like Jonah, trying to escape it? It also highlights the ripple effect of our choices, reminding us that disobedience can impact those around us. Ultimately, God's intervention, though challenging, is often a demonstration of His love and desire for us to walk in His perfect will, leading to our ultimate good and His glory, as seen in Romans 8:28.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:23 (9 votes)

    ¶ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

  • Psalms 107:31 (9 votes)

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Matthew 8:24 (6 votes)

    And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

  • Matthew 8:27 (6 votes)

    But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

  • Psalms 135:7 (4 votes)

    He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

  • Amos 4:13 (4 votes)

    For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

  • Exodus 10:19 (4 votes)

    And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.