4 But the Lord sent a terrible wind across the sea, creating a violent storm that threatened to break up the ship. 5 The sailors were terrified and each of them prayed to their own god to save them. They threw the cargo overboard to make the ship lighter. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone down into the hold where he had laid down and fallen fast asleep.
7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Let’s draw lots1:7. A process similar to drawing straws. so we can find out who’s to blame for this disaster that’s fallen on us." They drew lots and Jonah’s name came up.
9 "I am a Hebrew," Jonah replied, "and I worship1:9. Literally, "fear." the Lord, the God of the heavens, the sea, and the land."
12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," Jonah replied. "Then the sea will become calm, because I know it’s because of me that you’re in this terrible storm."
15 So they picked Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and it became calm. 16 The sailors were overcome with fear. They offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made many promises1:16. Or "vows." to him.