Besides two hitherto unpublished papers, this collection contains 15 of Rainer Albertz' papers from the period 1978 - 2000. They reflect the author's concern to understand biblical developments against the background of the religious and socio-historical developments and currents in Israel and the Ancient Orient. The volume includes, for example, reflections on the development of the tradition of prehistory, of the commandment to honour one's parents, of the issue of monotheism, or of the significance of personal piety. The collection is completed with socio-historical studies on the social background to the Book of Job or the moving forces behind the Deuteronomistic History, together with approaches to the editorial history of the Books of Jeremiah and Deuteroisaiah.