Jonah 1 tells the story of the prophet Jonah and his encounter with God’s command. God instructs Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness, but Jonah disobeys and flees on a ship to Tarshish. While at sea, a mighty storm arises, endangering the ship and its crew. The sailors, fearing for their lives, cry out to their gods for help.
As the storm intensifies, the sailors discover that Jonah is the cause of their misfortune. Jonah admits to them that he is fleeing from God’s command and suggests they throw him into the sea to calm the storm. The sailors, reluctant at first, eventually yield to Jonah’s plea and throw him overboard. As Jonah is cast into the raging sea, the storm subsides, and the sailors offer sacrifices to the Lord, committing themselves to Him.
Upon Jonah’s plunge into the sea, a great fish appointed by God swallows him whole, where he remains for three days and three nights. This event serves as a consequence for Jonah’s disobedience and offers an opportunity for him to reflect and repent.