It provides historical and cultural insights for every passage from Genesis to Malachi.

: Affordable digital copies are also sold through Barnes & Noble and Logos Bible Software . IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament

Provides insights into military structures, political offices like the Assyrian "Tartan," and the value of ancient currency.

Climate and terrain dictate military and economic realities.

Understanding the rise and fall of empires like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia clarifies the warnings of the prophets and the history of Israel's kings.

: Students can often find it via JSTOR or their university's digital library.