Therefore I fled = hasted to flee. The reason follows, as explained in note on Jon_4:1.
I knew. This was well known, from Jehovah's revelation of Himself. Jonah knew, and referred to the Pentateuch (Exo_34:6. Num_14:18, Num_14:19). David knew (Psa_86:5). Hosea knew (Hos_11:8, Hos_11:9). Joel knew (Joe_2:13). Micah knew (Mic_7:18). Jonah's knowledge explains his flight (Jon_1:3). No one could tall us this but himself. GOD. Hebrew El. App-4.