What is the meaning of Jonah 1:16? Then The word “Then” signals a turning point. Moments earlier the sea raged; now it is perfectly still because the crew obeyed God’s directive and cast Jonah overboard (Jonah 1:15). Much like the disciples in Mark 4:39–41 who watched Jesus calm a storm and suddenly realized His power, these sailors have just witnessed the LORD’s direct intervention. When God moves unmistakably, the next events in the narrative always flow from that revelation. The men feared the LORD greatly “Feared” here is reverent awe, not terror alone. • The same response appears when Israel sees God’s deliverance at the Red Sea: “When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised… they feared the LORD” (Exodus 14:31). • Proverbs 1:7 calls this fear “the beginning of knowledge,” showing it is the proper foundation for any relationship with God. • Psalm 107:23–32 describes sailors rescued from a storm who “cry out to the LORD” and then “exalt Him,” echoing Jonah’s scene. A healthy, worshipful fear replaces their earlier panic. Idols could not still the gale, but the LORD did, proving Himself alone worthy of awe. They offered a sacrifice to the LORD Sacrifice immediately follows genuine fear of God. • Noah built an altar after the flood subsided (Genesis 8:20). • Samuel offered a lamb when Israel repented (1 Samuel 7:9). • Psalm 116:17 vows, “I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.” These pagan sailors have now turned from their gods to the true God. With limited knowledge they do the one thing they know: give Him an offering. Their action shows gratitude and acknowledgment of His supremacy. And made vows to Him Vows seal a commitment to live differently because of what God has done. • Psalm 66:13–14 portrays worshipers fulfilling promises made “when I was in trouble.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 warns not to delay in paying vows, underscoring their seriousness. • Acts 18:18 records Paul’s vow, illustrating that promises to God remain meaningful in every era. These sailors pledge ongoing allegiance, suggesting that their encounter with the LORD was not a momentary foxhole prayer but the start of lasting devotion. summary • God’s dramatic rescue leads to immediate worship. • Awe-filled fear births true faith. • Sacrifice demonstrates gratitude; vows declare future obedience. Jonah 1:16 shows outsiders transformed into worshipers, reminding us that whenever God reveals His power, the only fitting response is reverent fear, thankful sacrifice, and committed obedience. |
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