Charles Ellicott Commentary Jonah 2

Then Jonah prayed.— This introduction, to what is in reality a psalm of thanksgiving, has its parallel in Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1–10), which is introduced in the same way. Compare also the Note appended by the psalm collector at the end of Psalms 72:20, “The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.”

By reason of my affliction.— See margin. There is a close correspondence between this opening and that of Psalm 120:1. Compare also Psalm 18:6.

Out of the belly of hell.—This remarkable expression—a forcible figure for imminent death—has its nearest parallel in Isaiah 5:14, where sheôl is represented as opening a huge mouth to swallow the princes of the world and their pomp. The under-world represents the Hebrew word sheôl more nearly than hell or the grave (margin). (Psalms 30:3.)

And you heard...—The conjunction is unnecessarily introduced. The sudden change of person, a frequent figure in Hebrew poetry, is more striking without the connecting word.

Hadst cast.—Rather, didst cast. (See Psalms 88:6.)

Floods.—Literally, river, used here of the ocean currents. (Compare to Psalms 24:2.)

All thy billows and thy waves.—More exactly, all thy breakers and billows. (See Psalms 42:7, where the same expression is used figuratively for great danger and distress.)

I am cast out of your sight. —“Jonah had wilfully withdrawn from standing in God's presence. Now God had taken him at his word and, as it seemed, cast him out of it. David had said in his haste, I am cut off (Psalms 31:22), Jonah substitutes the stronger word, I am cast forth, driven forth, expelled like the mire and dirt which the waves drive along, or like the waves themselves in their restless motion, or the heathen (the word is the same) whom God had driven out before Israel, or as Adam from Paradise” (Pusey).

Yet I will look again. —The Hebrew is very impressive and reads like one of those exile hopes so common in the Psalms: “Yet I have one thing left, to turn towards Your holy Temple and pray.” (For the attitude see Note on Psalm 28:2.)

The waters.— See reference in margin.

The weeds were wrapped about my head.— This graphic touch is quite original. The figure of overwhelming waters is a common one in Hebrew song to represent some crushing sorrow, but nowhere is the picture so vivid as here. At the same time, the entire absence of any reference to the fish, which would indeed be altogether out of place in this picture of a drowning man entangled in seaweed, should be noted. What the prophet emphasizes is not the mode of his escape, but his escape itself.