Biblical Context:
The account of Jonah being questioned by the sailors is found in the Book of Jonah, specifically in Jonah 1:7-10. This narrative occurs as Jonah, a prophet of the Lord, attempts to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. Instead, Jonah boards a ship bound for Tarshish, seeking to escape the presence of the Lord.

Scriptural Passage:
In Jonah 1:7-10 , the text reads:

7 Then the sailors said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.

8 “Tell us now,” they demanded, “who is to blame for this calamity that is upon us? What is your occupation, and where have you come from? What is your country, and who are your people?”

9 “I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land.”

10 Then the men were seized by a great fear and asked him, “What have you done?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Analysis:

Casting Lots:
The practice of casting lots was a common ancient method used to discern divine will or to make decisions. In this instance, the sailors, facing a life-threatening storm, resort to casting lots to identify the cause of their peril. The lot falling on Jonah indicates divine intervention, revealing Jonah as the source of their trouble.

Interrogation by the Sailors:
The sailors' questioning of Jonah is intense and multifaceted. They seek to understand the nature of the calamity by inquiring about Jonah's identity, occupation, and origin. This interrogation reflects their desperation and fear, as they are caught in a storm that threatens their lives.

Jonah's Confession:
Jonah's response is a confession of his identity and faith. By declaring himself a Hebrew and a worshiper of the LORD, the God of the heavens, Jonah acknowledges the sovereignty of God over all creation, including the sea and dry land. This confession is significant, as it highlights Jonah's awareness of God's omnipotence, even as he attempts to flee from His presence.

The Sailors' Fear:
Upon learning that Jonah is fleeing from the LORD, the sailors are filled with great fear. Their fear is twofold: they recognize the power of Jonah's God, and they understand the gravity of Jonah's disobedience. The sailors' reaction underscores the seriousness of defying the divine will and the universal recognition of God's authority.

Theological Implications:
This passage illustrates several key theological themes. First, it demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to use natural events to accomplish His purposes. Second, it highlights the futility of attempting to escape from God's presence and calling. Jonah's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Lastly, the narrative reveals the impact of a believer's actions on those around them, as Jonah's disobedience brings peril to the sailors, prompting them to seek the true God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
The sailors' actions and reactions are indicative of the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient Near East. Their initial response to the storm is to seek divine insight through casting lots, a practice not uncommon in their cultural context. However, their encounter with Jonah and the revelation of the LORD's power lead them to a deeper understanding of the one true God, contrasting their previous beliefs with the monotheistic faith of Jonah.