Most commentaries explain the text itself—Hebrew grammar, literary structure, or theological themes. The IVP Background Commentary does something radically different. It answers one specific question:
IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas is a premier resource for understanding the historical and cultural world of the ancient Near East. Unlike standard theological commentaries, it focuses exclusively on providing the "backlight" of archaeology, history, and social customs to help readers hear the text as its original audience did. Word and Life Network Key Features & Content Verse-by-Verse Format ivp bible background commentary old testament pdf
Unlike many thematic overviews, this commentary provides background information for nearly every passage from Genesis to Malachi. Walton, Victor H
Most commentaries tell you what the text means theologically. The IVP Background Commentary tells you why the text was written that way culturally. Unlike standard theological commentaries