Bible Handbooks provide a simple background to each book, its authors and themes:
- Zondervan Handbook to the Bible
- Holman Bible Handbook
- Handbook of Life in Bible Times
Introductions focus on background issues of each book, while Surveys focus on content. A couple of recommendations are:
- An Introduction to the Old Testament by Dillard and Longman
- An Introduction to the New Testament by Carson and Moo
- A Survey of the Old Testament (2nd Ed) by Hill and Walton
- New Testament Introduction by Guthrie
Commentaries are usually separate books for each book in the Bible. They are essential for teaching or mega-in-depth study. A short list for you red-hots:
- IVP New Testament Commentary
- The IVP Bible Background Commentary (Old and New Testament)
- NIV Application Commentary
Bible Atlases are great for maps, historical charts and other aids for visual learners.
- Macmillan Bible Atlas
- Moody Atlas of Bible Lands
- Holman Bible Atlas
These recommendations are taken from these books:
Grasping God’s Word (2nd Ed) by Duvall and Hayes.
They Love Jesus but Not the Church by Dan Kimball
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth (3rd Ed) by Fee and Stuart
