what were their basic beliefs about how to respond to the god who had caused the storm jonah 1 1-16

Answer 1

In Jonah 1:1-16, we see a group of sailors who are faced with a violent storm that threatens their ship. Their basic beliefs regarding how to respond to the God causing the storm are illustrated in several key actions:

1. Recognition of Divine Power: The sailors recognize that the storm is a manifestation of divine anger or intervention. They believe that the tempest is not merely a natural occurrence but is linked to the displeasure of a deity. This leads them to seek guidance.

2. Appeal to Individual Deities: Each sailor cries out to their own god, reflecting the polytheistic belief system of the time. They believe that addressing their respective gods might help quell the storm and save their lives.

3. Seeking Solutions Through Action: The sailors take practical steps to safeguard their ship. They start throwing cargo overboard to lighten the vessel, indicating a belief in the need for tangible action to mitigate the danger.

4. Inquiry and Accountability: When they discover that Jonah is the cause of the storm due to his disobedience to God, they question him and seek to understand his role in the situation. They show a belief in the importance of accountability and understanding the source of the problem.

5. Submission to Divine Will: Eventually, the sailors realize that the only way to appease the storm is to take drastic action against Jonah, throwing him overboard. This reflects a recognition that to respond rightly to the divine, sometimes tough decisions must be made.

6. Fear and Reverence: After throwing Jonah into the sea and seeing the storm cease, the sailors express great fear of the Lord (Yahweh), offering sacrifices and making vows. This indicates a shift in their understanding and reverence for the God who controls the storm.

In summary, the sailors respond to the storm by recognizing the power of the divine, taking action, seeking understanding, and ultimately demonstrating a reverence for God. Their actions highlight a belief in the need for responses that are both practical and spiritual when faced with divine intervention.