It is important to know what tools are available for serious Bible study. In this mini-lesson, we will make some brief suggestions regarding what kind of resources to use for each step of Bible interpretation. Instead of making a long list of specific resources, we will only point to categories, and give some examples. We suggest that you look at the "Recommended Optional Reading for the Course" in the "Start Here" section to find more examples.
Investigation of the Original Meaning, Parts 1 and 2: The Human Author and the Original Audience
To find information about the author and the original audience, there are Bible dictionaries, Study Bibles, commentaries, and software for Bible study in general.
For example, the ESV or NIV study Bibles have helpful introductory information.
You could also use the Jamison, Fausset and Brown commentary on the whole Bible [See: http://thirdmill.org/books/series.asp].
e-Sword [http://www.e-sword.net/] is free software that allows you to download some Bible dictionaries such as Easton's Bible Dictionary or the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. The questionnaires for lessons 3, 6 and 7 explain how to install and use this program.
