As we read the Text, we gain many wonderful glimpses into the everyday life of God's people. The people of Israel shared a rich culture and history. Biblical writers often used cultural images to describe their relationship with God. Jesus also used images from the culture of his day, weaving them together in way that helped his followers understand the truth.

Through the work of archaelogists, scholars have added to our understanding of ancient culture, bringing new light to many passages in the Text. In this section, you can read about their discoveries and explore the customs of Jesus' day.