Matthew Poole and continuators on Jonah 4:8

8 And it came to pass , when the sun did arise , that God prepared a vehement eastwind , and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted , and wished in himself to die and said, It is better for me to die, then to live .

After all these passages both in chastising and refreshing Ionah, and after all Ionah's deportment under them, but more immediately after the withering of the Gourd and the loss of the shadow.

With the rising of the Sun, so early in the morning as the Sun arose.

By a particular command from God.

A dry, scorching blasting Wind wherever it blows, but more than ordinarily, so in those Climates, and most so when sent out on such an errand by the Lord. Silent, saith the Hebrew. Ruffling Winds usually cool the Air, but the silent which blow with even Tenour, rather increase the heat of the Air. However this Wind was sent to do so, and certainly did it.

Did perpetually and vehemently shine, or point its burning beams upon the undefended head of Ionah. No Wind to cool, no shade to cover scorched Ionah.

Overcome by the heat, he was no longer able to stand, but as a fainting man fell down ready to die. His strength of body, and his courage of mind also failed him.

In this weakness and pain, in this perplexity of body and mind he comes once more to a down right impatience and weariness of life.

And here he will justifie his Passion, 'tis best of the two, but Ionah must be wiser, and humbler, and more merciful too er'e he die. Before God hath done with him, he will teach him to value his own life more, and to be more tender of the life of others.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word].; Ver. 3.