Bible study online

Jonah 1:4

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Jonah 1:4

Verse 4 of 17

Scripture focus

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.

Jonah 1:4 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Jonah 1:4

Theological / Devotional

A great wind. The Lord did not forsake Jonah even though the prophet attempted to flee from Him. By a series of “trials and strange providences” He sought to effect a change in Jonah’s attitude and conduct (see PK 266, 267).

Note the simple, natural agencies by means of which God accomplished His will — wind (ch. 1:4), a great fish (ch. 1:17), pain (ch. 2:10), a gourd (ch. 4:6), a worm (ch. 4:7), wind and sun (ch. 4:8).

Like to be broken. The sentence may be translated, “and the ship thought it would be broken.” If this translation is adopted, there is here a vivid figure of personification.

By SdaBc