God appointed a great storm that came close to sinking Jonah’s ship. In fact, had the sailors not tossed Jonah overboard it would have been destroyed along with everyone on board. In desperation the sailors toss Jonah into the raging sea and instantly it became calm. Before we get too upset with the sailors we must remember that it was Jonah who told them to toss him into the raging waves. He knew that God had sent the storm because he had refused to preach to the Ninevites. The thought of a million people being destroyed didn’t seem to move him, but now Jonah’s conscience begins show some evidence of life, he could not let this handful of sailors die on account of his sin. So into the sea he went. But not only did God appoint this great storm to beat Jonah into submission, He appointed a great fish to swallow the rebellious prophet just before he drowned . . .

Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. 3 "For You had cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. 4 "So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless, I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ 5 "Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me, Weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 "I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. 7 "While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, And my prayer came to You, Into Your holy temple. 8 "Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness, 9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the LORD." 10 Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.

Jonah’s attitude has been adjusted, he has repented, he is on his knees once again, and he is listening . . .

Jonah 3:1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you."