Including numerous black-and-white maps, the guide goes through the books of the Bible in the order of the King James Version to the extent possible, explaining the historical and geographical setting of each one, and the political and historical influences that affected it, as well as biographical information about the main characters.

His appendix "Guides to the Old and New Testament" includes biblical verses, footnotes, references, and subject indices.

The book was written for the layperson, without the expectation that the reader would have much knowledge about ancient history.

Professor Robert C. Dentan reminded readers that Asimov's book was not an academic work and he overlooked advances in contemporary biblical archeology.

He stated it has "lengthy discussions of insoluble geographical problems...The result often seems to emphasize the trivial at the expense of the substantive," while also noting that "That is not to say the book is without value.