Reader’s Corner: A Tale of a Whale—or more?

One benefit of attending conferences is coming home with a tote bag of literature! That benefit was multiplied at the Evangelical Press Association Convention, held in Branson last spring, because that conference is all about publications! So, with a big stack to go through, I only recently got to a real gem: Dr. Mark Yarbrough’s “Jonah: Beyond the Tale of a Whale.” Following a popular plenary session by Yarbrough, who serves as President and Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, each registrant received a copy of the book. 

Many of us likely think of the Jonah story in the Bible as a lesson in doing what you’re told, perfect for kids in Sunday School. Some people consider it allegorical, since after all, who could actually survive inside a huge fish? Yarbrough begins with a humorous recollection of his own takeaways from the story as a first-grader: Do what you’re told, or God will get you. Big storms mean somebody didn’t obey. Don’t annoy God, or He might chop down your shade tree. 

However, Yarbrough also presents convincing evidence of the book’s authenticity—after all, he’s a seminary president. That done, he then dives into the relevance of Jonah’s story for today’s Christian believer. 

With examples from his own family and professional experience, Yarbrough uses his signature humor to soften the book’s message. Each chapter examines a passage from the book bearing the prophet’s name, with good scholarship giving additional insight into the original language nuances. Topics discussed include God’s instructions and Jonah’s attempts to run from them; the storm and the response of the sailors; the fish; Jonah’s desperate cry to God and second chance at obedience; the Ninevites’ repentance; and Jonah’s response. 

After discussion of the Scripture, each chapter moves to a short section called “Growth Indicators”—and that’s where it gets personal, rather than just laughing at the clearly wayward prophet. Am I moving toward God’s commands, or away from them? Am I acknowledging God’s grace in my life? Do I consider others deserving of that same grace when they repent, regardless of their past behaviors? 

This book is great for personal study, but its humorous honesty about questions everyone can relate to also makes it a wonderful choice for a group or family. It is available through B & H Academic Publishers of Nashville, Tennessee, and at Christian bookstores and major online retailers.