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Verse Takeaways
1
The Broad Scope of Idolatry
Commentators explain that "lying vanities" are not just physical idols. The term encompasses anything we trust in or devote ourselves to apart from God. This can include our own righteousness, worldly ambitions, human-invented religion, or even misplaced priorities like Jonah's nationalism. Scholars stress that these things are called "vanities" because they are ultimately empty and will fail those who rely on them.
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Book Overview
Jonah
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Jonah 2:8
18th Century
Theologian
Those who observe lying vanities – that is, those who (reflecting the force of the Hebrew form for "observe") diligently watch, pay deferenc…
Charles Ellicott
On Jonah 2:8
19th Century
Bishop
Those who observe lying vanities.— See Note, Psalms 31:6.
Forsake their own mercy— i.e.…
Charles Spurgeon
On Jonah 2:8
19th Century
Preacher
If you trust anywhere but in God, you will run away from your own mercy. God is the only really merciful One who can always help you; but if you tr…
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John Calvin
On Jonah 2:8–9
16th Century
Theologian
Here Jonah says first, that people miserably go astray when they turn aside to vain superstitions, for they rob themselves of the chief good. For h…
John Gill
On Jonah 2:8
17th Century
Pastor
They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy
They that worship idols, who are nothing, mere vanity and…
Matthew Henry
On Jonah 2:1–9
17th Century
Minister
Observe when Jonah prayed. He prayed when he was in trouble, under the signs of God's displeasure against him for sin. When we are in affliction, w…