And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.
Ver. 7. And they said every one to his fellow] When Jonah had now prayed, and yet the tempest continued, (for we know that God heareth not sinners, John 9:31; no, not a David or a Jonah, if he "regard iniquity in his heart," Psalms 66:18; how should the plaster prevail while the weapon remains in the wound?) they resolve to try another course for the safeguard of their lives. Man is ζωον φιλοζωον, a creature that would fain live, said Aesop; and "what man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good," saith David; whereunto Austin answereth, Quis vitam non vult? who would not be master of such a happiness?
Come and let us cast lots] And so put the matter into God's hands, Proverbs 16:33. He disposeth of lottery, so it be rightly undertaken, not superstitiously, curiously, rashly; but as trusting in God, and not tempting him.
That we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us] Some extraordinary cause they knew there was of this extraordinary tempest. Sinful men strike not their dogs, much less their children, without a cause. A bee stings not till provoked; neither doth God punish his creatures till there be no other remedy, 2 Chronicles 36:16. Good, therefore, is the counsel of the prophet, Lamentations 3:39,40, "Why is living man sorrowful, a man for the punishment of his sin Let us search and try our ways" (find out the sin that God strikes at), "and turn again to the Lord"; turn and live.
So they cast lots] They should have also prayed, as Acts 1:24; Acts 6:6; saying as Saul, 1 Samuel 14:41, "Give a perfect lot." Wicked men also are bound to pray, Psalms 14:4; but although they do not, God can get himself glory by their profane lottery; as he did by Nebuchadnezzar's, Ezekiel 21:20,21 .
And the lot fell upon Jonah] Secret sins will come out at length, and be brought into judgment, Ecclesiastes 12:14. Saeculi laetitia est impunita nequitia (Augustin). Surely the bitterness of death is past, said Agag, but he found it otherwise, 1 Samuel 15:32. Jonah thought himself out of the reach of God's rod, &c. Wicked men's faults shall be written in their foreheads, and they forced to answer for all at last, with flames about their ears.