The answer is: Cast lots

Jonah 1:7 - An ancient method to supposedly find out the mind of a god - in this case the true God directed the lot to fall upon Jonah.

The Book of Jonah is often described as a story of mercy and second chances, but did you know it's also rich in literary devices and cultural context? When the sailors cast lots to figure out who was causing the fierce storm, they were engaging in a customary practice of their time—believed to reveal divine intentions. While casting lots might sound whimsical to modern ears, ancient people saw it as serious business. It was akin to drawing straws or tossing dice but with a spiritual layer—a seeking of the divine through random chances.

What's particularly interesting is that the sailors were pagans, pointedly contrasting with Jonah, who was a Hebrew prophet. This underscores a significant theme in the book: sometimes, those presumed to be far from God demonstrate great moral integrity and insight, while a prophet can find himself fleeing the very God he serves.

Furthermore, the sailors’ panic and eventual questioning of Jonah reveal a sense of solidarity and responsibility. They don’t just accept the storm as meaningless; they seek insight into its cause which speaks to their dignity as people even in adversity. It emphasizes how connection and accountability are human virtues across all cultures, whether serving the true God or seeking answers through the whims of chance.

So, Jonah’s story isn’t just about a prophet in a fish; it's also about fishing for truth, our interconnectedness, and how sometimes the unlikeliest of helpers show us the way.