It's hard to understand the Bible if you don't understand ancient manners and customs. That's why you'll want to refer often to Matthews's newly revised handbook. Each chapter focuses on one period in Israel's history and shows how selected scenes from Scripture (as well as material from extrabiblical and archaeological sources) throw light on the daily life of the people at that time. Many other relevant Scripture passages now appear in a marginal column, plus there are nearly two dozen new illustrations and photos. 320 pages, affordable softcover from Hendrickson.
