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They all said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.

Verse Takeaways

1

God's Providence Over Chance

Commentators emphasize that while the sailors used a common practice of casting lots, God's sovereign providence guided the outcome. Citing Proverbs 16:33, scholars explain that God can overrule any method, even one of apparent chance, to accomplish His specific purposes. The lot didn't fall on Jonah by accident; it was directed by God's hand.

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Book Overview

Jonah

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Commentaries

6

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Jonah 1:7

18th Century

Theologian

Come, and let us cast lots. Jonah too had probably prayed, and his prayers also were not heard. Probably, too, the storm had some unusual ch…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Jonah 1:7

19th Century

Bishop

Come, and let us cast lots.—We are to suppose that Jonah, coming on deck in compliance with the captain’s request, adds h…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Jonah 1:7

19th Century

Preacher

We do not commend the action of these men in casting lots, but we admire the providence by which the lot fell upon Jonah. Solomon says, The lot…

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John Calvin

John Calvin

On Jonah 1:7

16th Century

Theologian

Jonah did not mention this without reason—that the passengers consulted together about casting lots; for we learn from this that it was no ordinary…

John Gill

John Gill

On Jonah 1:7

17th Century

Pastor

And they said everyone to his fellow That Jonah awoke and rose up, upon the shipmaster's calling to him, is certain; but …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Jonah 1:4–7

17th Century

Minister

God sent a pursuer after Jonah, namely, a mighty tempest. Sin brings storms and tempests into the soul, into the family, into churches, and nations…

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