Final answer:
The Former Prophets refer to a collection of books in the Hebrew Bible that recount the stories and experiences of various prophets in the history of the Hebrew people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Former Prophets refer to a collection of books in the Hebrew Bible that recount the stories and experiences of various prophets in the history of the Hebrew people. These books include Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. They document the establishment of the Israelite monarchy, the reigns of kings, and the consequences of the people's faithfulness or unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
For example, the book of Joshua recounts the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The book of Judges highlights the time of tribal leadership and the recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The books of Samuel detail the transition from judges to kings and the reigns of Saul and David. The books of Kings chronicle the divided kingdom and the rise and fall of various kings.
These books carry theological and moral lessons for believers, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to Yahweh, obedience to his commandments, and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience. They also demonstrate the role of prophets in guiding and admonishing the people in their relationship with God.