Eleven essays explore the ways in which the contextual approach to the study of biblical literature provides both insightful and illuminating parallels between biblical and extrabiblical sources, as well as recognizing the implications of significant differences.

This substantially updated edition of a classroom standard provides students with an accessible introduction to the literature, history, and social context of the Old Testament. Written by two seasoned Old Testament professors, the book pays attention to methodology, archaeology, history, and literary genre and includes illustrations, sidebars, maps, and study questions.