We are far removed from the time and culture of the biblical world, and this distance easily leads to misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Our understanding and appreciation for God's Word increase exponentially when we know about the context in which the biblical books were written. So while many Bible commentaries explain the theological meaning of the text, The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary provides fascinating cultural and historical insights into God's Word. Richly illustrated with full-color photos throughout, this one-volume background commentary includes articles by leading Old and New Testament scholars on subjects such as- countries, cities, and cultures of the Holy Land and the Greco-Roman world- warfare and execution- religious groups and customs- fashion, athletics, feasts, and celebrations- honor, shame, and hospitality- and much moreThis colorful, informative volume is an essential companion for pastors, teachers, and laypeople who want to enhance their personal Bible study and help others do the same.
J. Scott Duvall (PhD. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at Ouachita Baptist University. He is the coauthor with George H. Guthrie of Biblical Greek Exegesis: A Graded Approach to Learning Intermediate and Advanced Greek and with Terry G. Carter and J. Daniel Hays of the textbook Preaching God's Word: A Hands on Approach to Preparing, Developing and Delivering the Sermon.
I have always found it interesting to discover things about the Old and New Testaments how they lived and what it might have looked like through pictures of the ruins we have today. How the land looked back then the dry arid lands and the deserts, how they grew different crops, and also the abundance of olive trees. we go back several centuries from the beginning to the present day.
how the Romans ruled over the area of that time as well as other countries and cultures, how Joshua crossed over into the promised land, and how they had to fight the heathens.
this book covers that and more. according to the back cover they talk about the following. countries, cities, and cultures of the holy land and the Greco-Roman world. trade, travel, and business. religious groups and customs. fashion, athletics, feasts, and celebrations. honor, shame, and hospitality. and much more. this is from the back cover of the book.
It is a heavy book and is hardcover. it was well put together and the book itself looks like it was made with good quality paper and not cheaply made.