Unlike a traditional exegetical commentary (which walks through the text verse by verse with linguistic and theological notes), the IVPBBC-OT is a . It assumes the reader has an English Bible open alongside it. The commentary provides concise, paragraph-length notes on cultural, historical, and archaeological information relevant to each passage.
: By comparing biblical events to ancient Near Eastern records from Egypt and Mesopotamia, the stories of David or Abraham spring to new life. Better Teaching ivp bible background commentary old testament pdf
Do not open the commentary immediately. Read your Old Testament text (e.g., Genesis 15) in several translations (NIV, NRSV, ESV). Note your questions: Why does God use a smoking firepot? What is a "covenant of pieces"? : By comparing biblical events to ancient Near
When used within platforms like Logos Bible Software or Accordance , the commentary can automatically sync with the scripture passage you are currently reading. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament Note your questions: Why does God use a smoking firepot