Jonah 1:17-2:9

Jonah’s Prayer 17Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

1In Hebrew texts 2:1 is numbered 1:17, and 2:1-10 is numbered 2:2-11. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God.

2He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

3You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.

4I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’

5The engulfing waters threatened me, Or waters were at my throat the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.

6To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.

7“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

8“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.

9But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD .’ ”