Jonah 1:8

"Then they asked him, “Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?”"

Key Reflection

In Jonah 1:8, the sailors on the ship question Jonah about his identity and situation in a manner that highlights their growing concern and suspicion. This interaction occurs after a storm arises, leading them to believe that Jonah's actions or presence are responsible for the evil (storm) they are experiencing. The sailors' curiosity delves into his occupation, origin, and nationality, suggesting a mixture of genuine inquiry and a desire to understand if he might be involved in supernatural events or divine judgment. This scene sets up the tension between human fear and the mysterious intervention of God through Jonah's prophecy.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Tell us, for whose cause- Literally “for what to whom.” It may be that they thought that Jonah had been guilty toward some other. The lot had pointed him out. The mariners, still fearing to do wrong, ask him thronged questions, to know why the anger of God followed him; “what” hast thou done “to whom?” “what thine occupation?” i. e., either his ordinary occupation, whether it was displeasing to God? or this particular business in which he was engaged, and for which he had come on board. Questions so thronged have been admired in human poetry, Jerome says. For it is true to nature. They think that some one of them will draw forth the answer which they wish.

More from Jonah 1

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