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Putting your passage into context, i.e., the historical, cultural, and literary influence of the text, is critical to your interpretation. Start with sources that give you a broad overview of your topic, such as a Bible dictionary, encyclopedia or study Bible. These reference sources provide an overall summary of your topic or passage and help you understand your topic before you dive into more detailed information. As you read, write down important terms, names, and any ideas you have for further research.
Several background sources are included below. Hover over the item title for a description of the book.
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, A-C by 
A Dictionary of the Bible, 2nd Edition by 
New Catholic Encyclopedia by 
The Catholic Study Bible by 
The Jewish Study Bible by 
Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, Volume XVII by Hover over the title (not cover art) for book description.
These are just a sampling of the books we have that will help you research the historical, cultural, and rhetorical context of your passage. Both print and electronic books have tools that help you determine the part of the book that might be helpful in researching your passage: the Table of Contents at the front of the book and the Index in the back of the book.
As you read, continually ask yourself, How does this information help me better interpret and understand my passage? Organizing your research around this question will lead to more focused research and will later help you to outline and write your paper.
The Bible As It Was by 
The History of Bronze and Iron Age Israel by 
Biblical Archaeology: a Very Short Introduction by Hover over the title (not cover art) for book description.
A Social Reading of the Old Testament by 
Social World of Ancient Israel by 
Power, Politics, and the Making of the Bible by Hover over the title (not cover art) for book description.
The Poetics of Biblical Narrative by 
Poetics and Interpretation of Biblical Narrative by