The Penitence of the Prophet of Gath-Hepher
R. Brodie, A. M. Jonah 1:12-13 And he said to them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm to you… This is the first clear indication of a return on the part of the prophet to a proper state of feeling. His confession did not necessarily imply this. I. THE REQUEST OF JONAH. "Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea." These words imply — 1. A conviction of the folly of attempting to resist God's will. It may be said that this none will dispute. In words, indeed, many may admit this, but in their practice they contradict it. Every disobedient sinner imagines that he can secure his happiness not only independently of God, but in opposition to what He hath revealed or what He can do. 2. An expression of his readiness to endure the chastisement due to his transgression. It is one thing to acknowledge our guilt and desert of punishment, and another practically to acquiesce in that punishment when it is about to be inflicted. It is a much more difficult thing, and much more indicative of true penitence, patiently to bear affliction than actively to perform duty. Jonah pronounces on himself the appalling sentence, that he should be cast into the sea. 3. An expression of his readiness to submit, not only as respected the matter of the punishment, but the manner of it. Though Jonah passed sentence on himself, he did not propose that he should himself carry it into effect. Self-destruction is in no case justifiable. 4. The expression of his satisfaction that the innocent should escape, though he might suffer. II. THE CONDUCT OF THE MARINERS. It might have been expected that they would follow Jonah's advice. They did not at once. Notice — 1. The benevolence of their exertions. 2. The inefficacy of their exertions.Learn the obstructions which sin presents to our efforts for the good of others. (R. Brodie, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. WEB: He said to them, "Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you."