Book excerpt: In times of crisis, there always remain the faithful few: men and women who go to great lengths to show mercy and provide hope to those around them and the entire world. With courage and dedication, they attest to life after death and shun the common traps of seeking favor and bending to human will. The books of the Bible explored in this volume tell the stories of such people, most of which occurred well after the Babylonian exile. Though not included in every translation, the characters and events are well known throughout religious history. Part of the Liguori Catholic Bible Study, a series of 21 books introducing each book of the Bible, providing insight into the sacred words of antiquity and inviting you to discover the living Word and its impact on our daily lives. The narrative, study questions, reflections, key notes, prayers, and an introduction to the spiritual practice of lectio divina will deepen your understanding of Scripture.