Since its publication in 1962, The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible has established itself as an indispensable reference work. During these years, however, scholarly work in all areas of biblical knowledge has moved forward. The publishers of IDB, recognizing the need for keeping the work as nearly up-to-date as possible, decided in 1973 to prepare a supplementary volume that would make necessary additions to articles in areas where new knowledge had been gained and that would present new articles on topics not treated in the original four volumes. - Editor's preface.