Former Prophets

The 'Former Prophets', also known as the Nevi'im Rishonim, traces the history of Israel in its transition from a loose tribal confederation under theocracy—governance under God—to a united nation under monarchy, in which men exercised rule as God's representatives.

Joshua, like his predecessor Moses, played the role of a leader and mediator between God and the people, though on a much lesser scale. Judges recorded the tumultuous and dark periods of Israel's history after the passing of Joshua and his generation in which apostasy and idolatry became rampant. God raised up deliverers such as Deborah, Gideon and Samson to free His people from their oppressors and directed them back to true worship and order.

Within the narratives of this section of the Nevi'im are the first appearances of individual prophets, such as Samuel who was also the last judge and a seer, Elijah and his successor Elisha. These 'pre-classical' prophets were very much like their later counterparts, in that they played a pivotal role in advising and admonishing the kings that ruled during the periods of their prophetic ministries.

These books, from a historical perspective, bear witness to what God promised He would do in Deuteronomy—blessings for obedience and curses for unfaithfulness—to His people. Two voices can be heard in the Nevi'im Rishonim: that of the heroic exploits of Israel's kings and judges and the covenantal acts of God in relation to the leaders and people on the basis of their fidelity to God.

Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.