Jonah and the great escape: Prophets, Phoenician ships, and the port of Joppa
Have you ever tried to avoid doing something you didn’t want to do? That’s exactly what Jonah did when God gave him an important mission. As a prophet—someone chosen by God to deliver His messages—Jonah was tasked with going to Nineveh, an enemy city filled with people making wrong choices, to warn them to repent and turn back to Yahweh. Instead of obeying, Jonah ran in the opposite direction, heading to the port city of Joppa to find a ship that could take him far away from Nineveh.
Jonah's Home: Gath Hepher
Jonah came from a small town called Gath Hepher, located in the region given to the tribe of Zebulun. This makes it very likely that Jonah was a member of the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Zebulun’s territory included areas near important trade routes and the sea, which would have made Jonah familiar with the busy activity of ports and ships. His upbringing in this region may explain why he knew exactly where to go when he wanted to flee—straight to Joppa, a major Phoenician port.
What is a Prophet?
Prophets had a special job in the ancient land of Israel. They were Elohim's messengers, delivering instructions, warnings, or encouragement to the people. Being a prophet wasn’t easy—sometimes people didn’t listen, and other times the message was difficult to deliver. Jonah faced both of these challenges. He didn’t want to go to Nineveh because he feared the people there and didn’t think they deserved God’s mercy. Instead of obeying God’s call, Jonah made a plan to run away.
The Phoenicians: Masters of the Sea
When Jonah fled, he boarded a ship operated by the Phoenicians, who were the best sailors in the ancient world. The Phoenicians lived in coastal cities, mostly in modern-day Lebanon. They built strong, fast ships designed for long voyages across the Mediterranean Sea. These ships carried goods like silver, gold, cedarwood, and purple dye—items highly prized by other nations.
Phoenician ships were sturdy and reliable, with large sails to catch the wind and wooden hulls strong enough to handle rough seas. The Phoenicians didn’t just trade goods; they also connected different cultures and spread ideas across the ancient world. Jonah probably thought that on a busy Phoenician ship heading to Tarshish, he could disappear into the crowd and escape God’s command. Want to teach your kids more about Jonah’s journey? Check out our Jonah and the Big Fish Activity Book! Packed with ready-to-use lesson plans and activities, it brings this Bible story to life.
Joppa: A key Port City
Jonah’s escape began in Joppa, one of the most important port cities in the ancient world. Joppa, known today as Jaffa, was located on the Mediterranean coast and served as a major hub for trade and travel. Merchants, sailors, and travelers from all over the ancient world passed through Joppa. The city was bustling with activity, filled with ships loading and unloading goods like spices, metals, and textiles.
Joppa’s natural harbor made it an ideal location for ships, even though its rocky coastline could be dangerous during storms. The city was also significant in other Bible stories. For example, in the New Testament, Peter stayed in Joppa when he had a vision that changed how the early church viewed Gentile believers.
Jonah likely arrived in Joppa and quickly found a Phoenician ship heading to Tarshish, a far-off destination that symbolized escape. Tarshish was thought to be located at the edge of the known world, possibly in modern-day Spain. By heading there, Jonah believed he could run far enough to avoid God’s plan.
Swallowed by a Great Fish
Jonah’s plan didn’t go as he hoped. While at sea, a powerful storm arose, threatening to sink the ship. The sailors, who were likely Phoenicians, became terrified. They prayed to their gods and cast lots to find out who was responsible for the storm. The lot fell to Jonah, and he confessed that he was running away from the God of Israel.
Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard to calm the storm. Though reluctant, they did as Jonah said, and the storm stopped. Jonah’s story didn’t end there—he was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights inside its belly.
Jonah’s adventure is filled with lessons about obedience, God’s mercy, and His plan for Israel. If you’d like to learn more, check out our Jonah and the Big Fish Activity Book! Packed with fun activities, lesson plans, and hands-on worksheets to help you explore Jonah’s story, Phoenician ships, and the ancient port of Joppa. Perfect for young learners and Bible study groups!
