Chapter 2
Text | Commentary |
1But the LORD sent a large fish, that swallowed Jonah; and he remained in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. c Mt 12, 40; 16, 4; Lk 11, 30; 1 Cor 15, 4 . 2From the belly of the fish Jonah said this prayer to the LORD, his God:
Psalm of Thanksgiving
3Out of my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me; From the midst of the nether world I cried for help, and you heard my voice. d Pss 18, 7; 120, 1 . 4For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the sea, and the flood enveloped me; All your breakers and your billows passed over me. e Ps 42, 8 . 5Then I said, “I am banished from your sight! yet would I again look upon your holy temple.” f Ps 31, 23; Is 38, 11 . 6The waters swirled about me, threatening my life; the abyss enveloped me; seaweed clung about my head. g Pss 18, 5; 69, 2 . 7Down I went to the roots of the mountains; the bars of the nether world were closing behind me forever, But you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my God. h Pss 16, 10; 30, 4 . 8When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; My prayer reached you in your holy temple. i Pss 5, 8; 18, 7; 88, 3 . 9Those who worship vain idols forsake their source of mercy. j Ps 31, 7 . 10But I, with resounding praise, will sacrifice to you; What I have vowed I will pay: deliverance is from the LORD. k Ps 50, 14 .
11Then the LORD commanded the fish to spew Jonah upon the shore.