Introduces the history, literature and ideas of Judaism in the era before Christ, from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah to the Herods, and even up to Masada. Fills in the "missing story" between the Old and New Testaments. Expands understanding of the New Testament world highlighting the ideas, subplots and characters that shaped the world of Jesus and the first Christians. Informed by the best of recent scholarship. Includes bibliographics for further reading. Features maps, glossary, time line and other helps.