feared: God's power over the stormy sea led the sailors to worship. Although sacrifices and vows were part of Israelite worship (for example, Psalm 116:17–18), the sailors likely did not fully convert from worshiping false gods. They probably added Israel's God to their list. This situation is deeply ironic. Pagan sailors showed respect and honor toward the Lord, while the Lord’s own prophet dishonored him. The prophet then seemed to sink into the sea and face death (compare study note on Jonah 2:8–9).