Monday 16 September 2024
But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (v. 3)
Background
Jonah is one of 12 books in the Minor Prophets section of the Hebrew Bible. The other 11 books relate what each prophet said. Jonah is unusual in telling the story of the prophet. The book is generally accepted to be midrash (a way of interpreting Scripture) rather than an account of historical events. In the Jewish tradition, the book of Jonah is read on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) when the focus is on repentance.
One way of understanding atonement is to think of it as at-one-ment: being at one with God. Jonah attempts to do the opposite. Three times in today’s passage we are told that Jonah is fleeing from the presence of the Lord. Nineveh is in modern-day Iraq – about 500 miles from Joppa. Tarshish is thought to be on the western Mediterranean coast – over 2,500 miles away. By getting on the ship to Tarshish, Jonah is trying to put as much distance as possible between himself and God.
Interestingly, everyone else on board seems to believe that God is never far away. When the storm arose, “each cried to his god” (v. 5) and Jonah is instructed by the captain to call on his god too. (v. 6). There is a clear expectation that there must be a god who will hear and intervene.
When lots are cast to determine who has brought this calamity upon them, no-one doubts that Jonah’s god is responsible. Jonah acknowledges this too and declares that he worships the God “who made the sea and the dry land” (v 9). The implication here is that the God who made the sea would have the power to control it.
The sailors then become even more afraid (v. 10). They obviously believe Jonah’s testimony about his God and are convinced that the storm is the Hebrew God’s response to Jonah’s disobedience.
To Ponder:
- Which parts of Scripture do you consider to be historical events? How do you respond to people who do not share your view?
- Have you ever tried to run away from God? Why? How did you try and flee from God’s presence?
- What has been the most frightening experience in your life?
Prayer
God who made the sea and the dry land: "O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea”. (Singing the Faith 517) Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Nicola Vidamour
Nicola is the Director of Reflective Pastoral Supervision at Wesley House in Cambridge. She loves travel, tea, theatre and Taizé.