Explanation: In Jonah 2 Jonah confesses his sin while he is in the belly of the great fish and pledges obedience to the LORD [compare Psalms 130:1-2; Psalms 18:6; Psalms 31:22; Psalms 42:7; Lamentations 3:53-56]. And after 3 days the LORD causes the fish to vomit Jonah onto the dry land [compare Hosea 6:1-3; Matthew 12:40]. Guzik's Commentary says, "It is commonly thought that Jonah was vomited out on the shores of Nineveh - but we are not told that this was the case, especially because Nineveh is about 375 miles [inland] from the Mediterranean Sea." Ironically, Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the LORD; but when he realized that the LORD had cast him out of his sight (v. 4), he then turned toward the LORD. Also, it is significant that he was swallowed by a great fish since the name "Nineveh" means "house or place of fish."

     ² And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. ³ For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. ⁴ Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. ⁵ The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. ⁶ I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. ⁷ When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. ⁸ They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. ⁹ But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. ¹⁰ And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

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