This work is an essential companion for understanding each book of the Old Testament in their cultural context. It provides information and analysis on each biblical book, covering its cultural and historical background including the author and fresh outline of each Old Testament book. From the design of the temple in Jerusalem to the cultural background of each of the prophets, you'll find the answers your looking for here. Cultural and archaeological discoveries are provided throughout, helping to bring the Bible alive for any reader. It is beautifully illustrated with over 200 colorful, maps, timelines, charts, photographs, and illustrations, bringing the Old Testament alive. A helpful glossary defines technical terms, and extensive footnotes with hundreds of commentaries and books listed in the For Future Study section, as well as an extensive bibliography, provide an invaluable resource to readers seeking further study. This is an engaging resource intended for laypeople who want to better understand the Old Testament, whether in seminary courses, college classrooms, church groups or purely for personal study.