Essential to a proper understanding of the Old Testament is a knowledge of the political, historical, and theological environment of the ancient Near East. While there is an abundance of material explaining this environment, primary source texts are often unavailable or inaccessible to beginning Old Testament students. Even as sources have become more widely available online, introductory-level students still struggle to know where to begin and to understand how these ancient texts contribute to an understanding of the Old Testament.

This collection of primary source documents guides students through a wide variety of material relevant to understanding the Old Testament. The second edition has been thoroughly updated with new readings and with new translations of many readings from the previous edition.

Compiled with the beginning Old Testament student in mind, the selections are intended to move a learner from little or no knowledge of the ancient Near East to a basic understanding of its significant texts and authors. It is designed as a companion volume to Encountering the Old Testament by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer, but it can be used alongside any standard Old Testament introduction. It can also be used as the main textbook for a course on the literature and culture of the Old Testament world.