This edited collection explores the world of the Bible by situating Scripture within the material, historical, and literary cultures of the ancient Near East and southern Levant. Bringing together leading scholars in biblical studies, archaeology, and ancient history, it demonstrates how new evidence and fresh methodological approaches are reshaping our understanding of biblical texts and their contexts. The contributors challenge established assumptions, revisit enduring scholarly debates, and offer new perspectives on the history, culture, and religious life of the ancient world.

Spanning the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, contributors address topics ranging from anthropomorphism, theophany, and Genesis in relation to Hittite treaty traditions, to Hebrew inscriptions, fortified cities, women in the Achaemenid Empire, and Israelite prophecy in light of shamanic studies. Essays on the Second Temple and early Roman periods examine the communal meal at Qumran, the reception history of Habakkuk, archaeological and experimental approaches to reconstructing the Gospels, and recent discoveries relating to Herodian architecture and Roman coinage.

By integrating textual, archaeological, and historical evidence, this collection offers a rich and up-to-date resource for understanding the Bible in its ancient contexts and highlights the dynamic state of contemporary research in biblical studies.

Mark A. Hassler is Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, USA.

Scott Stripling is Director of the Archaeology Institute at The Bible Seminary, USA.

Clyde E. Billington is Professor of History (retired) at University of Northwestern-St. Paul, USA.