This book serves as a standard handbook on the origins of Judaism and on the Jewish world in New Testament times. Readers and students of the Bible who wonder what happened "between the Testaments" or who want to know more about the Jewish setting of the New Testament will find this an excellent introduction that combines the advantages of a historical treatment with those of a systematic presentation. Those whom the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has alerted to the vitality of Palestinian Judaism and its importance in the New Testament world will welcome the discussion of the scrolls which the author has interwoven with his treatment.