Book The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (IVP Bible Background Commentary Set) pdf

Read The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament IVP Bible Background Commentary Set by John H. Walton

This page provides a comprehensive overview of this essential reference work to help you understand its unique approach to biblical study. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a curious reader, the following information will help you decide how this commentary fits into your personal or professional library.

Understanding the Cultural World of the Old Testament

Reading the Old Testament can often feel like stepping into a foreign land without a map. The customs, legal systems, and social structures of ancient Israel and its neighbors—such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Canaanites—are vastly different from our modern experience. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament IVP Bible Background Commentary Set acts as a bridge between these two worlds.

Unlike traditional commentaries that focus primarily on linguistic analysis or theological application, this work focuses specifically on the "background." It provides the historical, social, and cultural data necessary to understand the text as the original audience would have. By explaining the significance of ancient rituals, geographic landmarks, and political climates, John H. Walton helps readers see the Bible through a clearer, more accurate lens.

A Verse-by-Verse Guide to History

The structure of this commentary is designed for ease of use. It follows the biblical text chronologically, providing notes and explanations side-by-side with the books of the Old Testament. This allows readers to look up specific passages quickly to find out what was happening "behind the scenes."

The book covers a wide array of topics, including:

Because it distills complex archaeological and historical data into readable prose, it is accessible to those without a formal degree in theology while remaining rigorous enough for academic use.

About the Author: John H. Walton

John H. Walton is a highly respected scholar and Professor of Old Testament, most notably recognized for his long tenure at Wheaton College and Graduate School. His expertise lies deeply rooted in the Comparative Studies of the Old Testament and the Ancient Near East. Walton has spent decades researching how the cognitive environment of the ancient world shapes our interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.

His credibility stems from a massive body of work, including several books that explore the origins of the cosmos and the temple in ancient thought. In The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament IVP Bible Background Commentary Set, Walton brings this specialized knowledge to a broader audience. His goal is not to impose modern ideas onto the text, but to allow the ancient world to speak for itself, ensuring that his readers approach the Bible with integrity and historical sensitivity.

Is This Resource Right for Your Study Goals?

Deciding whether to add this commentary to your collection depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a devotional guide that provides daily inspiration, this might not be your primary tool. However, if your goal is to move beyond the surface level of the text and engage with the "why" and "how" of biblical events, it is indispensable.

Serious readers often look for this book when they encounter difficult passages that seem strange or contradictory by modern standards. By providing the missing pieces of the cultural puzzle, Walton helps resolve many of these tensions. It is a foundational text for anyone who wants to ensure their interpretation of the Bible is grounded in historical reality rather than modern guesswork.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament IVP Bible Background Commentary Set FAQ

1. Do I need to be a scholar to understand this commentary?

   No, the book is specifically written for a general audience. While it is based on high-level scholarship, John H. Walton uses clear language and avoids overly technical jargon, making it accessible to any interested reader.

2. Does this book cover the New Testament as well?

   This specific volume focuses exclusively on the Old Testament. However, it is part of a set, and there is a companion volume by Craig Keener that provides the same level of cultural background for the New Testament.

3. How is this different from a standard study Bible?

   While some study Bibles include historical notes, they are often brief. This commentary provides a much deeper, verse-by-verse exploration of the cultural context that most study Bibles simply do not have the space to cover.

4. Is the commentary based on recent archaeological findings?

   Yes, the work incorporates insights from archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern studies that have emerged over the last several decades, ensuring the information is relevant and up-to-date for modern study.

5. How can I obtain a copy of this book?

   The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament IVP Bible Background Commentary Set is a widely available resource. It can typically be found through major book retailers, academic bookstores, and theological libraries.