From the customs of religious life to common domestic and social practices, The Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times is your quick and reliable guide to the cultural backgrounds that formed the backdrop of biblical writings. Unlike many similar works, this Bible companion is organized thematically, making it easier to scan over broad subjects at one go. Topics include: The family—describes what the Bible says about children and childbirth, education, the different roles performed by men and women; as well as topics like sex, marriage, divorce, old age, death, and burial. The household—from house architecture and furniture to topics of everyday survival, such as food and its preparation, water access, and how illnesses were handled. Work life—discusses major Old Testament occupations and trades, from livestock and woodworking to commerce. Social life—includes explanations of population, the calendar, economics, crafts, travel and trade, dress, and music. Government—how different aspects of governance were handled in towns, larger cities, and the state, including the roles of the king, elders, and officials. Israel's religious life—from the use of high places and altars, to the importance of the tabernacle and the temple, to the role of priests and Levites. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook, Essential Companion to Life in Bible Times strikes the perfect balance of manageable information, giving any student of Scripture the keys to unlock commonly misunderstood passages as well as deepen your appreciation of even the most familiar Bible stories.

At your fingertips: the most vital information you need for reading and truly understanding the Bible. The Essential Bible Companion is a unique, easy-to-use reference guide that gives you clear, crisp insights into the Bible, book by book. Developed by two world-class Bible scholars and the creator of The Bible in 90 Days curriculum, this compact reference tool visually lays out the key details for each book of the Bible, including: Essential background information, such as the underlying purpose, the key terms and concepts, and the key teachings about God in that book. An easy-to-reference timeline of the book with callouts for notable events. Important people to know. Key verses, maps, and historical introductions. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook or commentary, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of manageable information that doesn't distract or detract from Scripture itself. This richly informative volume will assist you on your journey toward a well-grounded biblical faith.

The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms provides fundamental information regarding the meaning, background, context, and application of the Psalms. In addition to practical application, numerous charts are included that provide information about the various types of psalms (messianic, prophetic, etc.) along with a quick reference list of psalms that lend themselves to being used for worship or personal meditation or as a basis for praying the Scriptures. Through the use of full-color visual images, the message and world of the Psalms are brought to life in a way never before presented, making this book not only an excellent resource for understanding the Psalms, but a wonderful gift as well. The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms is a must-have for students of the Bible, pastors, and anyone who desires to possess a unique reference guide to these ancient works of poetry and worship.

If you were to read through the Bible in a year with The Bible Reader's Companion at your side, you'd have a whole new and exciting grasp of the Word of God and you'd have truth to live by each day.--Kay Arthur,

The Bible has had an immeasurable influence on Western culture, touching on virtually every aspect of our lives. It is one of the great wellsprings of Western religious, ethical, and philosophical traditions. It has been an endless source of inspiration to artists, from classic works such as Michaelangelo's Last Judgment, Handel's Messiah, or Milton's Paradise Lost, to modern works such as Thomas Mann's Joseph and His Brothers or Martin Scorsese's controversial Last Temptation of Christ. For countless generations, it has been a comfort in suffering, a place to reflect on the mysteries of birth, death, and immortality. Its stories and characters are an integral part of the repertoire of every educated adult, forming an enduring bond that spans thousands of years and embraces a vast community of believers and nonbelievers. The Oxford Companion to the Bible provides an authoritative one-volume reference to the people, places, events, books, institutions, religious belief, and secular influence of the Bible. Written by more than 250 scholars from some 20 nations and embracing a wide variety of perspectives, the Companion offers over seven hundred entries, ranging from brief identifications--who is Dives? where is Pisgah?--to extensive interpretive essays on topics such as the influence of the Bible on music or law. Ranging far beyond the scope of a traditional Bible dictionary, the Companion features, in addition to its many informative, factual entries, an abundance of interpretive essays. Here are extended entries on religious concepts from immortality, sin, and grace, to baptism, ethics, and the Holy Spirit. The contributors also explore biblical views of modern issues such as homosexuality, marriage, and anti-Semitism, and the impact of the Bible on the secular world (including a four-part article on the Bible's influence on literature). Of course, the Companion can also serve as a handy reference, the first place to turn to find factual information on the Bible. Readers will find fascinating, informative articles on all the books of the Bible--including the Apocrypha and many other ancient texts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Pseudepigrapha, and the Mishrah. Virtually every figure who walked across the biblical stage is identified here, ranging from Rebekah, Rachel, and Mary, to Joseph, Barabbas, and Jesus. The Companion also offers entries that shed light on daily life in ancient Israel and the earliest Christian communities, with fascinating articles on feasts and festivals, clothing, medicine, units of time, houses, and furniture. Finally, there are twenty-eight pages of full-color maps, providing an accurate, detailed portrait of the biblical world. A vast compendium of information related to scriptures, here is an ideal complement to the Bible, an essential volume for every home and library, the first place to turn for information on the central book of Western culture.

Discover profound insights with ease: The Essential Bible Companion is your indispensable guide to unlocking and truly understanding the core teachings of the Bible. Developed by world-renowned biblical scholars, this compact reference tool presents the key information about every book in the Bible in an easy-to-digest format. The Essential Bible Companion is a visual guide to Scripture's key concepts and teachings that empowers you with: Background information that uncovers the purpose, key terms, concepts, and teachings about God in each Bible book. A user-friendly timeline featuring key events for each book. A who's-who of essential Biblical figures to know. Must-read verses, illustrative maps, and enlightening historical introductions. Ideal for those seeking greater understanding of the Bible without getting lost in overbearing detail, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of informative yet manageable content that enhances, not detracts from, the biblical text. Embark on a journey towards a well-grounded and deeply enriched biblical faith with The Essential Bible Companion. Whether you are a new believer stepping into the vast landscape of biblical teachings for the first time, or a seasoned student of the word seeking to deepen your knowledge, The Essential Bible Companion serves as your roadmap. Grab your copy today and simplify your path to deeper biblical understanding.

Embrace a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures with The Essential Bible Dictionary. This indispensable reference tool goes beyond an ordinary dictionary to offer in-depth insights into important people, places, and biblical concepts including those that often perplex readers. Our unique Bible companion is specially crafted to enhance and streamline your Scripture reading experience, emphasizing on proper nouns and specific biblical terms that warrant further explanation. The Essential Bible Dictionary is a visual guide to Scripture's people, places and themes that will aid your study with: Comprehensive definitions shedding light on key Bible themes, places, people, and much more. Vibrant full-color images, maps, illustrations, and diagrams throughout - bringing the biblical world vibrantly to life. Thorough book overviews, arranged alphabetically for your convenience, complete with information on authorship, content, historical background, and purpose of each Bible book. Phonetic pronunciation for each entry - never stumble on a biblical name or term again. Crucial cross-references for a more in-depth study. Ideal for personal devotions or Bible studies, this compact Bible dictionary serves as a treasure chest of knowledge, helping to illuminate every page of Scripture you turn. This guide pairs perfectly with any Bible translation you prefer. Don't just read the Bible, understand it - with The Essential Bible Dictionary.