These three colorful books offer gripping stories of how God shows his mercy and accomplishes his will through human actions. Jonah is a reluctant prophet who must be swallowed by a whale before he delivers his message to Israel's ancient enemies at Nineveh that they must repent or face doom. Tobit tells of the trials and tribulations of a family, and the power of prayer as God sends an angel to guide Tobit's son Tobiah on a journey of resolution. In the book of Judith, a simple and courageous widow, rather than an army, saves her people from destruction by a powerful enemy. This rich commentary explores the significant themes of each book, showing that God is intimately involved with the destiny of humankind.
"In this learned and readable commentary Sr. Irene Nowell offers a rich combination of historical learning, theological reflection, and spiritual insight that helps us become better, closer readers of these three biblical books and so better able to hear the voice of God speaking in and through them. Particularly helpful are the questions for review and topics for discussion for each book which hi
Stephen D. Ryan, OP, Dominican House of Studies, Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conc
"In Jonah, Tobit, Judith, Irene Nowell provides a richly informative commentary that explores the significant themes of each book, showing that God is intimately involved with the destiny of humankind."
The Midwest Book Review
"In her new Collegeville commentary on Jonah, Tobit and Judith, Irene Nowell beautifully brings these three wonderful stories to life. With great sensitivity and thoughtfulness, this commentary explores the challenges facing the many male and female characters, their differing deeds and prayers, and the corresponding help they receive from God. A very accessible and well-written work, most highly
Mark S. Smith, professor of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at New York University,
