Jonah: Beyond the Tale of a Whale

by Mark Yarbrough

Many people are intrigued by the biblical account of Jonah. Unfortunately, some view it as a simplistic moral tale, akin to a fish story or a child’s fable. In Beyond the Tale of a Whale , author Mark M. Yarbrough leads readers into a deeper investigation of this significant biblical book, discovering in it encouragement to Christ- followers to evaluate their spiritual growth as they pursue the heart of God.

Genres: Discipleship

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Dr. Yarbrough serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, and Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Mark oversees all Seminary activities related to academics and public representation. This includes overseeing the extension campuses (Houston, Austin, Atlanta, San Antonio, Tampa), extension initiatives (Knoxville and Washington, DC), and Online Education (English and Chinese). His undergraduate degree is from Dallas Christian College, where he was named Valedictorian and received the Delta Epsilon Chi Award. At DTS he was named Who’s Who and was an SCEC scholarship recipient. He received his Th.M. in 1996, and Ph.D. in 2008.

Mark’s twin passions for the local church and theological education have worked in tandem for over twenty years. At Centerpoint Church in Mesquite, TX, he serves on the Executive Committee of the elder board and is also part of the pastoral preaching team. He has also coauthored and recorded multiple songs/albums and enjoys leading worship. In regard to theological education, he loves the classroom and interacting with students preparing for various ministry endeavors. He has traveled extensively, leading tours and participating in international discussions on theological education—with recent consulting with the Chinese government concerning the growth of Christianity in their country. Mark also enjoys writing and has been published in various magazines (Kindred Spirit, Word and Work, and Christianity Today), and his recent book, Paul’s Utilization of Preformed Traditions in 1 Timothy, was published through T & T Clark.

He has been married for over twenty years to Jennifer, his high school sweetheart. They have four children: Kayla , Jacob, Kayci, and Joseph, and reside east of Dallas in Forney, Texas. The Yarbrough’s enjoy meeting fellow Christ-followers and have many opportunities to do so, as Mark frequently presents at conferences such as Horn Creek, Mount Hermon, Word of Life, and the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Although on the move and busy with four kids, they enjoy following the Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers—and keeping things full, fun, and festive while serving the Lord.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition

BS, Dallas Christian College, 1993; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1996; PhD, 2008.

Reviews

[Monty Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deep dive into the Book Of Jonah was well worth the read

To really understand the purpose of the story was eye opening. To really understand that God is concerned with the “heart” condition of our obedience .

After saving Jonah from being tossed into the sea and after saving the Ninevites from destruction Jonah was angry at God. While he eventually obeyed his heart was never contrite and he didn’t show any compassion to the lost.

Sometimes we obey but are hearts are not in it
God looks at the heart always remember that !!

[Bobbie Newcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah the story you thought you knew.

So I grew up with a different view of Jonah. So much was wrong but at this stage in my life I was just thinking let’s see.
I really liked how Dr. Yarbrough explained the chapters. He broke it down well.
It is fascinating that I also look at words to see what else is being said.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about God and what he really wants from us.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little gift of a book. It really helpfully breaks down the Book of Jonah and distills it very clearly into spiritual growth steps. I have returned to it several times since reading it for the first time.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most Christians would claim to know, and perhaps to understand, the story of Jonah. Mark Yarbrough adds so much more to what we can and should learn from this very short Bible story. Hint: It's really not about the whale, or big fish. It's about the condition of our hearts.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Mark's writing has a way of drawing you into the story. He breaks it down into bite sized chewable pieces. Great wrap ups at the end that summarize what that section of the text is trying to tell us as Jesus-followers.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent treatment of a book that is both disarmingly simple and yet profound at the same time.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had read this two years ago it would have blown my mind. It's an excellent book and helps the reader see the book of Jonah with new eyes. Highly recommend.

[Patti Townley-Covert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking Bible study. Although I've read several times, this book brought fresh insight--and conviction. I could see myself and the need to change and I'm grateful. Highly recommend.