IN my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight;
yet I will look again toward your holy temple.
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.
When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grave that could be there’s…
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the Lord.
- JONAH 2:1b-9
