Jonah 1:15

15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm.

Jonah 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Jonah 1:15

So they took up, Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea
They took him out of the hold or cabin where he was, and brought him upon deck; they took him, not against his will, but with his full consent, and according to the direction and advice he gave them: "they", for there were more than one employed in this affair; one or more very probably took him by the legs, and others put their hands under his arm holes, and so threw him into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging;
immediately, and became a calm; and the wind also ceased from blowing, which is supposed; the end being answered by the storm, and the person found and obtained, what was sought after by it, it was still and quiet. The story the Jews ^F13 tell of his being let down into the sea to his knees, upon which the sea was calm, but became raging again upon his being taken up; and so, at the second time, to his navel; and the third time to his neck; is all fabulous; but he being wholly thrown in, it raged no more.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F13 Pirke Eliezer, c. 10. fol. 10. 2.

Jonah 1:15 In-Context

13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more.

14 So they cried out to the LORD: “Please, O LORD, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life! Do not charge us with innocent blood! For You, O LORD, have done as You pleased.”

15 Then they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm.

16 Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him.

17 Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.