We move on from our study on Tuesday when we were studying the folly of Jonah when he disobeyed the Lord thinking His will was wrong. 

NOTE WHERE HUMAN WISDOM WILL BRING YOU

1. Joppa means “beautiful”.

It is derived from a word employed to depicted the beauty of Christ, Psalm 45:2.The beauty of the Church in the eyes of Christ Song of Solomon 4:10, 7:1. It is also used of the false beauty contrived by human nature, Jeremiah 4:30, 10:4, Ezekiel 31:7. Doubtless, the “beautiful” Joppa took on a false beauty for Jonah. 

2. Tarshish means a beryl, a semi-precious stone.

The beryl stone was used in the breastplate of the High Priest and represented the tribe of Asher, Ex 28:20. The name “Asher” means “happy”. “And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher,” Genesis 30:13. To escape from God’s presence by sea seemed a good and happy thing to Jonah as he followed his own wisdom.

THERE IS A PRICE TO BE PAID FOR SUCH FOLLY

“ . . he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof,” verse 3.

1. Note how providence seemed to favour him.

He found a ship just ready to sail to Tarshish. What appears as kindly providence may not be at all. “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete,” Acts 27:13. Both ships ran into a storm.

2. he lost his investment.

He paid in advance but never reached his destination and received no refund! Sin and disobedience pays no refunds!

3. He is found in the company of sinful men.

“Them” refers to a mixed group of pagans, verse 5. Here was modern ecumenicity indeed! He is like Peter in his backsliding, Luke 22:55. “And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.”This is where human wisdom will take those who would refuse God’s commands.