Definition: Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jonah 1:10. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jonah was terrified because God told him to flee. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Then were the men exceedingly afraid…” – This describes how Jonah felt. He was deeply worried and frightened. It wasn't just a little uneasy; he was genuinely distressed about what was happening. “…and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD…” – This is the core of the verse. Jonah had disobeyed God’s command. He’d been warned to stay in the boat and not go out into the sea. But he did disobey, and he ran away. The men understood this because they knew he was fleeing from God's guidance. “Because he had told them.” – This is a crucial part of the story. Jonah was telling people about his escape, and that’s what led to their fear and understanding. In short, Jonah disobeyed God’s instructions and ran away. His disobedience caused fear and ultimately, it led to the men realizing he wasn't following God's plan. Why is this a big deal? This story is often seen as a key example of repentance and obedience. It shows that when we disobey God, we face consequences – in this case, fear and judgment. It’s a reminder to always listen to what God tells us and to honor His commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of Jonah? Talk about the meaning of repentance in this passage?