Definition: And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Jonah 4. It’s a really powerful and dramatic story about obedience and God’s judgment. Here's the explanation: The Basic Story: Jonah disobeyed God’s command to stay in the ocean and he ran away. God told him to get back to his place, which was right on the edge of the sea. But Jonah refused! He swam away, and God sent a powerful wind and rain to push him towards the east. What Happened Next: The Wind’s Effect: The wind blew so hard that it beat down on Jonah, making him faint and desperate to die. Jonah's Plea: He essentially pleads with God: "It is better for me to die than to live!" This shows a deep desire to obey God, even at the cost of his own life. What It Means – A Simple Interpretation: This verse is about repentance and obedience. Jonah was so focused on not obeying God that he completely lost sight of what God wanted him to do. He prioritized his own desires over God's will, and that’s a key part of the message in the story. It's a Warning: The passage is a warning to us about: Not being too proud or stubborn: Sometimes we need to be willing to listen to God, even when it’s difficult. The importance of obedience: Following God’s commands – even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging – is crucial for our relationship with Him. Taking a stand against temptation: Jonah's disobedience shows how easily we can stray from the path and fall into bad choices. In essence, this verse is a reminder that true faith involves willingly obeying God, even when it’s hard. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the wind and rain? Discuss Jonah's character and why he disobeyed? Connect this story to a larger theme in the Bible (like forgiveness)?