A BIBLICAL PARABLE BY BILL & FREDA BOWEN
A STORY OF EXILE, FAITH & JUDGMENT
The Parable of Job
After seventy years in captivity, twelve tribes stand together at the threshold of freedom. In the Bowens’ telling, the story of Job becomes the story of a people.
An editorial interpretation of the authors’ central idea.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE PARABLE
In his published author interview, Bill Bowen describes a reading of Job in which one representative from each of Israel’s twelve tribes joins the others in a single voice.
This is the particular interpretation at the heart of the Bowens’ book—not a claim about conventional biblical scholarship. Twelve lives, one shared confrontation with suffering, mercy, and judgment.
A READING IN TWO STATES
Representatives of Israel’s twelve tribes gather in Babylon, their histories and anxieties brought into one sacred conversation.
Select a view to see how the Bowens’ central idea comes together.
SEVENTY YEARS IN EXILE. TEN DAYS TO FACE THE PAST.
The book takes place during the ten High Holy Days as a people prepares to return after seventy years in captivity.
THE OPENING
The first two days are devoted to repentance, before the long silence that follows.
THE WAITING
Seven days of reflection on the past, the present, and what the future may hold.
THE TURNING POINT
On Yom Kippur, the gathered people return to God and await judgment.
A CONVERSATION WITH THE GREAT QUESTIONS
In the book’s days of remembrance, the people confront these subjects in the conversation that leads to the Messiah and to judgment. The very chapter titles give this book its particular theatrical rhythm.
The chapter list includes “Death Answers.” The Bowens present death as a subject the gathered people must reckon with as they search for understanding.
A STORY ACROSS PUBLISHED VOLUMES
WESTBOW PRESS · 158 PAGES
The Parable of Job
The twelve tribes prepare for freedom through repentance, remembrance, and atonement. The first published volume of the Bowens’ Babylon story.
DORRANCE PUBLISHING · 214 PAGES
The Remnant Returns
The story continues with the return toward Jerusalem and the difficult work of restoring the Torah, rebuilding, and tracing genealogies.
Discover the second bookBILL & FREDA BOWEN · JEWS OF BABYLON
Begin with The Parable of Job—and enter the sacred circle at the heart of the Bowens’ story.
Return to the beginning