Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament Set

Description

An image rich, passage-by-passage, five-volume commentary box set of the entire Old Testament.

The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary integrates textual and artifactual context from the ancient Near East to inform our understanding and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible–while remaining respectful to the inerrancy of Scripture.

Without a deep knowledge of the ancient cultures the Old Testament was born from, we can be tempted to impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This unique Bible backgrounds commentary set examines:

• The history of the ancient Near East as a means of recovering knowledge of the events that shaped the lives of the people.
• The archaeology as a means of recovering the lifestyle reflected in the material cultures.
• The literature of the ancient Near East as a means of understanding the heart and soul of the people who inhabited the ancient world that Israel shared.

Detailed exegetical notes are combined with comparative discussions of the cultural settings that help scholars interpret the Old Testament. This set brings all five volumes together into one beautiful package:

• Volume 1: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
• Volume 2: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel
• Volume 3: 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
• Volume 4: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
• Volume 5: Minor Prophets, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

 

THE ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARY SERIES

Invites you to enter the world of the Old Testament with a company of seasoned guides, experts who will give new insights into these cherished writings. Features:

• 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.

Review Citations:

• LJ Best Reference Sources 11/15/2009 pg. 38 (EAN 9780310255727, Boxed Set)
• CBA Retailers 11/01/2009 pg. 36 (EAN 9780310255727, Boxed Set)
• Library Journal 01/15/2010 pg. 134 (EAN 9780310255727, Boxed Set)
• Booklist 03/01/2010 pg. 92 (EAN 9780310255727, Boxed Set)

Contributor Bio:Walton, John H

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Old Testament Today, with Andrew E. Hill; volumes on Job and Genesis in the NIV Application Commentary series; the six-volume Lost World series; and Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology. He was also coeditor, with Craig Keener, of the ECPA 2017 Bible of the Year winner, the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.

Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 9780310255727
Format: Boxed Set
Size: 9.0″ H x 10.5″ L x 8.5″ W (20.78 lbs)
Pages: 2928

Commendation Quotes:
‘To me, every Christian should own these commentaries. I say that very seriously because when you study Scripture without looking into the historical and cultural background of what was happening when each part of the Bible was written, we miss incredibly so much meaning, understanding and depth. Using these commentaries when studying Scripture turns our study into a multi-dimensional and extremely colorful study. You will have so many ‘Oh! That’s what that means!’ or ‘Now that makes sense!’ moments when studying with this commentary. I cannot imagine doing any study of the Bible without it quite honestly and couldn’t recommend a commentary of this type any higher.’ — Dan Kimball, pastor and author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church

Commendation Quotes:
‘As a pastor, I am certain that the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament is a deeply valuable tool for ministry. With rock-solid scholarship, relevant commentary, and gripping visual illustrations, this will be a great tool for believers for years to come.’ — Kevin G. Harney, pastor and author of Organic Outreach for Ordinary People

Commendation Quotes:
‘This tool is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach the Scriptures.’ — John Ortberg, author and pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church Menlo Park, California

Commendation Quotes:
‘The publication of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament marks a major step forward in the systematic integration of the textual and artifactual evidences from the ancient Near East that inform the context of Scripture. This important reference work will serve as an essential starting point for an ancient ‘contextual criticism’ of the Hebrew Bible, enabling scholars, pastors, and laity to access the rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East. Readers will find the visual materials particularly valuable, since often these are scattered in many diverse places. While there will always be disagreements concerning the interpretations of the data, the collection in a single source will be a boon to all.’ — K. Lawson Younger, Professor, Semitic Languages, and Ancient Near Eastern History

Commendation Quotes:
‘This is an impressive and rich resource for scholars, students, seminarians, and interested lay readers. The volumes, with their insightful and perceptive commentaries, updated footnotes, wonderful illustrations, and sidebars—all judiciously researched—contain a veritable thesaurus of enlightening information relating to the Hebrew Bible within the cultural, ideological, and religious world of the ancient Near East. Notwithstanding their traditional approach to Scripture, I heartily recommend this series with enthusiasm.’ — Shalom Paul, Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Bible Department, Hebrew University

Commendation Quotes:
‘Biblical commentaries have traditionally explicated the text verse-by-verse. By contrast, evidence from the wider archaeological, institutional and literary context has typically been organized thematically. John H. Walton and his collaborators have combined these two methods, presenting the context verse-by-verse. They have done so in a responsible manner, which will satisfy both maximalists and minimalists as well as the majority of Bible readers who find themselves between these two extremes.’ — William W. Hallo, The William M. Laffan Professor Emeritus of Assyriology and Babylonian Literature, Yale University

Commendation Quotes:
This is a unique and important commentary. It is a milestone in the collection and comparative interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts, pictures, and other archaeological materials as well as geographical, historical, and cultural information as they relate to the Old Testament. There is nothing else like it available today. The interpretations provided are usually cogent and convincing. Where there is legitimate debate, the explanations generally show due caution. There will always be disagreements between scholars on such matters, but the many comparative and archaeological resources assembled in these volumes make it a veritable gold mine for those who desire to take the ancient context of the Lord s work and word seriously in their study, teaching, and preaching of Holy Scripture. — Richard E. Averbeck”

Commendation Quotes:
As a pastor, I am certain that the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament is a deeply valuable tool for ministry. With rock-solid scholarship, relevant commentary, and gripping visual illustrations, this will be a great tool for believers for years to come. — Kevin G. Harney”

Commendation Quotes:
This tool is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach the Scriptures. — John Ortberg”

Commendation Quotes:
This is an impressive and rich resource for scholars, students, seminarians, and interested lay readers. The volumes, with their insightful and perceptive commentaries, updated footnotes, wonderful illustrations, and sidebars—all judiciously researched—contain a veritable thesaurus of enlightening information relating to the Hebrew Bible within the cultural, ideological, and religious world of the ancient Near East. Notwithstanding their traditional approach to Scripture, I heartily recommend this series with enthusiasm. — Shalom Paul”

Commendation Quotes:
Biblical commentaries have traditionally explicated the text verse-by-verse. By contrast, evidence from the wider archaeological, institutional and literary context has typically been organized thematically. John H. Walton and his collaborators have combined these two methods, presenting the context verse-by-verse. They have done so in a responsible manner, which will satisfy both maximalists and minimalists as well as the majority of Bible readers who find themselves between these two extremes. — William W. Hallo”

Commendation Quotes:
‘This is a unique and important commentary. It is a milestone in the collection and comparative interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts, pictures, and other archaeological materials as well as geographical, historical, and cultural information as they relate to the Old Testament. There is nothing else like it available today. The interpretations provided are usually cogent and convincing. Where there is legitimate debate, the explanations generally show due caution. There will always be disagreements between scholars on such matters, but the many comparative and archaeological resources assembled in these volumes make it a veritable gold mine for those who desire to take the ancient context of the Lord’s work and word seriously in their study, teaching, and preaching of Holy Scripture.’ — Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D., Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Commendation Quotes:
The publication of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament marks a major step forward in the systematic integration of the textual and artifactual evidences from the ancient Near East that inform the context of Scripture. This important reference work will serve as an essential starting point for an ancient contextual criticism of the Hebrew Bible, enabling scholars, pastors, and laity to access the rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East. Readers will find the visual materials particularly valuable, since often these are scattered in many diverse places. While there will always be disagreements concerning the interpretations of the data, the collection in a single source will be a boon to all. — K. Lawson Younger, Professor”

Marc Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Commendation Quotes:
-This tool is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach the Scriptures.- — John Ortberg

Commendation Quotes:
-Biblical commentaries have traditionally explicated the text verse-by-verse. By contrast, evidence from the wider archaeological, institutional and literary context has typically been organized thematically. John H. Walton and his collaborators have combined these two methods, presenting the context verse-by-verse. They have done so in a responsible manner, which will satisfy both maximalists and minimalists as well as the majority of Bible readers who find themselves between these two extremes.- — William W. Hallo

Commendation Quotes:
-The publication of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament marks a major step forward in the systematic integration of the textual and artifactual evidences from the ancient Near East that inform the context of Scripture. This important reference work will serve as an essential starting point for an ancient -contextual criticism- of the Hebrew Bible, enabling scholars, pastors, and laity to access the rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East. Readers will find the visual materials particularly valuable, since often these are scattered in many diverse places. While there will always be disagreements concerning the interpretations of the data, the collection in a single source will be a boon to all.- — K. Lawson Younger, Professor

Commendation Quotes:
-This is an impressive and rich resource for scholars, students, seminarians, and interested lay readers. The volumes, with their insightful and perceptive commentaries, updated footnotes, wonderful illustrations, and sidebars—all judiciously researched—contain a veritable thesaurus of enlightening information relating to the Hebrew Bible within the cultural, ideological, and religious world of the ancient Near East. Notwithstanding their traditional approach to Scripture, I heartily recommend this series with enthusiasm.- — Shalom Paul

Commendation Quotes:
-This is a unique and important commentary. It is a milestone in the collection and comparative interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts, pictures, and other archaeological materials as well as geographical, historical, and cultural information as they relate to the Old Testament. There is nothing else like it available today. The interpretations provided are usually cogent and convincing. Where there is legitimate debate, the explanations generally show due caution. There will always be disagreements between scholars on such matters, but the many comparative and archaeological resources assembled in these volumes make it a veritable gold mine for those who desire to take the ancient context of the Lord’s work and word seriously in their study, teaching, and preaching of Holy Scripture.- — Richard E. Averbeck

Commendation Quotes:
-As a pastor, I am certain that the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament is a deeply valuable tool for ministry. With rock-solid scholarship, relevant commentary, and gripping visual illustrations, this will be a great tool for believers for years to come.- — Kevin G. Harney

Commendation Quotes:
“Biblical commentaries have traditionally explicated the text verse-by-verse. By contrast, evidence from the wider archaeological, institutional and literary context has typically been organized thematically. John H. Walton and his collaborators have combined these two methods, presenting the context verse-by-verse. They have done so in a responsible manner, which will satisfy both maximalists and minimalists as well as the majority of Bible readers who find themselves between these two extremes.” — William W. Hallo–William W. Hallo

Commendation Quotes:
“This is an impressive and rich resource for scholars, students, seminarians, and interested lay readers. The volumes, with their insightful and perceptive commentaries, updated footnotes, wonderful illustrations, and sidebars—all judiciously researched—contain a veritable thesaurus of enlightening information relating to the Hebrew Bible within the cultural, ideological, and religious world of the ancient Near East. Notwithstanding their traditional approach to Scripture, I heartily recommend this series with enthusiasm.” — Shalom Paul–Shalom Paul

Commendation Quotes:
“As a pastor, I am certain that the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament is a deeply valuable tool for ministry. With rock-solid scholarship, relevant commentary, and gripping visual illustrations, this will be a great tool for believers for years to come.” — Kevin G. Harney–Kevin G. Harney

Commendation Quotes:
“This tool is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach the Scriptures.” — John Ortberg–John Ortberg

Commendation Quotes:
“The publication of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament marks a major step forward in the systematic integration of the textual and artifactual evidences from the ancient Near East that inform the context of Scripture. This important reference work will serve as an essential starting point for an ancient “contextual criticism” of the Hebrew Bible, enabling scholars, pastors, and laity to access the rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East. Readers will find the visual materials particularly valuable, since often these are scattered in many diverse places. While there will always be disagreements concerning the interpretations of the data, the collection in a single source will be a boon to all.” — K. Lawson Younger, Professor–K. Lawson Younger

Review Quotes:
‘This tool is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach Scriptures.’–John Ortberg, author and pastor

Review Quotes:
‘To me, every Christian should own these commentaries.’–Dan Kimball, author and pastor

Review Quotes:
‘This is an impressive and rich resource…judiciously researched. …Notwithstanding their traditional approach to Scripture, I heartily recommend this series with enthusiasm.’–Shalom Paul, Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Bible Department, Hebrew University

Review Quotes:
‘Enables scholars, pastors, and laity to access the rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East.’–K. Lawson Younger, professor of Old Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Review Quotes:
‘A unique and important commentary. …There is nothing else like it available today.’–Richard E. Averbeck, professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Seminary

Commendation Quotes:
“This is a unique and important commentary. It is a milestone in the collection and comparative interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts, pictures, and other archaeological materials as well as geographical, historical, and cultural information as they relate to the Old Testament. There is nothing else like it available today. The interpretations provided are usually cogent and convincing. Where there is legitimate debate, the explanations generally show due caution. There will always be disagreements between scholars on such matters, but the many comparative and archaeological resources assembled in these volumes make it a veritable gold mine for those who desire to take the ancient context of the Lord’s work and word seriously in their study, teaching, and preaching of Holy Scripture.” — Richard E. Averbeck–Richard E. Averbeck