Definition: And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jonah 1:12. It's a really interesting and slightly dramatic passage! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Jonah was God’s prophet sent to Israel to warn them about their impending destruction due to their turning away from him. He was instructed to preach to them, but he disobeyed and ran away to the fishbowl of Nineveh – essentially, a large, deep pool in the desert. Here's what the verse means in simpler terms: “And he said unto them…” : Jonah is speaking directly to the people of Israel. “…Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea…” : Jonah was pleading for God to save him from punishment. He wanted to be released from his fate. “…so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you.” : This is the crucial part. Jonah knows he’s about to face a terrible storm – a huge, powerful tempest – and he's terrified of it. He believes God will punish them if they continue their wickedness. Putting it all together: Jonah is warning the people of Israel that a massive storm is coming. He’s pleading for God to stop it, knowing that his disobedience will result in terrible consequences. It's a moment of intense anxiety and desperation on Jonah’s part. Why it’s important: This story is one of faith – Jonah’s willingness to trust in God even when facing immense fear and danger. It highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story? Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like repentance or trust)?