In our consideration of the favorite men of the Bible, we have looked at them in chronological order, trying to retell the story of God’s redemption of his fallen creatures. We have followed God’s chosen people (through Abraham) into the land of promise (Moses) and have seen the building of a mighty kingdom (David). Then came the division of the nation - between the north and the south - and the captivity of God’s people. During this time, the great prophets of Israel appeared. Their primary purpose was to endeavor to save the nation from its decline into idolatry and apostasy. Failing in that, they announced that there would be doom and destruction, chaos and captivity. God’s punishment of his people for their wickedness, however, did not mean the end of his redemptive plan. The prophets …