Jonah 1:15

15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard. And the stormy sea became 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Jonah 1:15 In-Context

13 Instead of doing what he said, the men did their best to row back to land. But they couldn't. The sea got even rougher than before.

14 Then they cried out to the Lord. They prayed, "Lord, please don't let us die for taking this man's life. After all, he might not be guilty of doing anything wrong. So don't hold us accountable for killing him. Lord, you always do what you want to."

15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard. And the stormy sea became calm.

16 When the men saw what had happened, they began to have great respect for the Lord. They offered a sacrifice to him. And they made promises to him.

17 But the LORD sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.