Jonah 1-2

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” (1:3). Jonah’s story doesn’t seem to “fit” in the prophetic writings, because in it the man of God does all the wrong things. He disobeys the Lord’s voice and runs away, and then he avoids the consequences and puts everyone around him in danger (1:5). The pagan sailors show more fear of God than Jonah (1:10,14,) and his second chance is only the result of God’s great mercy (ch 2).

“Out of my distress ...” (2:2). Jonah reminds us that even in troubles we create ourselves, when we genuinely call out to the Lord, we can count on Him to listen, respond, and rescue us.