After a brief essay that introduces each book, a verse-by-verse commentary follows. Drawing upon linguistic analysis, archaeological evidence, history, other ancient Near Eastern literatures, and the like, the commentary provides the historical and cultural background against which the texts can be read and understood. --from publisher description.

This series brings to life the world of the Old Testament through informative entries and full-color photos and graphics. Here readers find the premier commentary set for connecting with the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.

Many today find the Old Testament a closed book. The cultural issues seem insurmountable and we are easily baffled by that which seems obscure. Furthermore, without knowledge of the ancient culture we can easily impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This series invites you to enter the Old Testament with a company of guides, experts that will give new insights into these cherished writings. Features include • Over 2000 photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams and charts provide a visual feast that breathes fresh life into the text. • Passage-by-passage commentary presents archaeological findings, historical explanations, geographic insights, notes on manners and customs, and more. • Analysis into the literature of the ancient Near East will open your eyes to new depths of understanding both familiar and unfamiliar passages. • Written by an international team of 30 specialists, all top scholars in background studies.

An image rich, passage-by-passage commentary that integrates relevant historical and cultural insights, providing a deeper dimension of perspective to the words of the New Testament Discoveries await you that will snap the world of the New Testament into new focus. Things that seem mystifying, puzzling, or obscure will take on tremendous meaning when you view them in their ancient context. With the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, you'll: Deepen your understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Discover the close interplay between God's kingdom and the practical affairs of the church. Learn more about the real life setting of the Old Testament writings to help you identify with the people and circumstances described in Scripture. Gain a deeper awareness of the Bible's relevance for your life. In this volume, detailed exegetical notes are combined with background information of the cultural settings that will help you interpret the writings of the first three synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. THE ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARYSERIES Invites you to enter the world of the New Testament with a company of seasoned guides, experts who will help you understand or teach the biblical text more accurately. Features: Commentary based on relevant papyri, inscriptions, archaeological discoveries, and studies of Judaism, Roman culture, Hellenism, and other features of the world of the New Testament. Hundreds of full-color photographs, color illustrations, and line drawings. Copious maps, charts, and timelines. Sidebar articles and insights. "Reflections" on the Bible's relevance for 21st-century living.

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 more This 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.

This commentary has high value for the academic world and is of particular value for research. It is equally valuable from a devotional point of view. Jerome was a Church Father and famous ecclesiastical author who died in A.D. 420. His writings cover nearly all the principal departments of Christian theology, but the most numerous and important belong to that of Biblical study. Among the latter is his Commentary on Daniel, which is one of the most interesting and significant of his expository works. It is frequently consulted by the learned even to this day. It here appears for the first time in the English language. The manuscript here published in book form won form Dr. Archer the much coveted Certificate of Award presented by the Christian Research Foundation for the year's most important manuscript in the field of Biblical Research.

This commentary on the Book of Daniel-one of the most extensively researched ever written-offers vital information to every reader. For unbelievers It amasses compelling evidence that the book is an authentic writing of Daniel, the great Jewish statesman who lived in the 6th century BC. It shows also that his book accurately predicts Jewish experience during the next several centuries. It fully explains the riddle of the 69 weeks-the prophecy foretelling when Jesus would come. The solution presented here is the first to prove by correct dates and calculations that the prophecy was exactly fulfilled. It is also the first to let Scripture itself identify the events framing the interval. Conclusion The Book of Daniel is divinely inspired. For believers In its analysis of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image, it is the first to establish conclusively what the feet represent. The feet-a picture of the final great empire before Jesus returns-are the United Nations, and the toes are the ten regional governments now embracing virtually all nations of the world. Conclusion Jesus' return is drawing near. For those alive during the Tribulation It revives and defends the ancient view of the church that the Antichrist will come from Syro-Iraq. It demonstrates that soon after the Tribulation begins, Egypt will attack Syria. It sketches out the other horrific opening events of the Tribulation. Conclusion You dare not miss the Rapture."