Each volume also includes a basic Bibliography on the biblical book under study. Other bibliographies on selected issues that point the reader to additional resources are often included. Notes at the end of each chapter provide full documentation of sources used and contain additional discussions of related subjects.

Abbreviations used in each volume are explained in a List of Abbreviations found after the Table of Contents.

Several thorough Indexes enable the reader to locate information quickly. These Indexes include:

Sidebar Index Groups content from the special-interest boxes by category (general, maps, art, photographs, drawings, etc.).

Scripture Index Lists citations to particular biblical texts.

Topical Index Lists alphabetically the major subjects, names, topics, and locations referenced or discussed in the volume.

Modern Authors Index Organizes the contemporary authors whose works are cited in the volume.

Commentary and Connections As each chapter explores a textual unit, the discussion centers on two basic sections: Commentary and Connections. The analysis of a passage, including the details of its language, the history reflected in the text, and the literary forms found in the text, are the main focus of the Commentary section. The primary concern of the Commentary section is to explore the theological issues presented by the Scripture passage. Connections presents potential applications of the insights provided in the Commentary section. The Connections portion of each chapter considers issues relevant for teaching and suggests useful methods and resources. Connections also identifies themes suitable for sermon planning and suggests helpful approaches for preaching on the Scripture text.

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