Book of Jonah - Chapter 1 - Verse 7

When the sailors on the ship encountered a great storm, they sought to find out the reason for their misfortune. In their culture, casting lots was a common practice used to determine the guilty party or to make decisions based on chance. By casting lots, the sailors believed they could pinpoint the cause of the storm that had beset them. In this case, the lot fell upon Jonah, revealing him as the one responsible for bringing the evil upon them. This verse illustrates the sailors' desperation and their belief in a higher power guiding the outcome of the lots. It also sets the stage for the unfolding of Jonah's story, as his disobedience to God becomes evident through the casting of lots.

In this verse, the sailors on the ship with Jonah are faced with a dilemma as they try to determine the cause of the storm that is endangering their lives. They suggest casting lots, which was a common practice in ancient times to seek divine guidance or make decisions. The sailors believed that the outcome of the lots would reveal who among them was responsible for the calamity befalling them. The lot fell upon Jonah, indicating that he was the cause of the storm due to his disobedience to God's call. This theological interpretation highlights the consequences of sin and disobedience, as Jonah's actions not only affected himself but also put the lives of others in danger. The use of casting lots in this situation shows the sailors' belief in divine intervention and their desire to know the will of God in order to address the crisis they were facing at sea.