Hamm offers an approach that differs from other commentaries by focusing on three dimensions of the readings' original context. First, he considers the full document from which a particular Lectionary selection is taken. Second, Hamm examines the background in the Hebrew Bible that the authors presume on the part of their readers. Third, he considers the historical setting and adds to the understanding of the reading. Rather than reflecting on all three readings, Hamm cites each but only reflects on the one whose message he develops.
