The Abiding Gift of Prophecy

Chapter 5—From Joshua to Samuel

The history of God’s people during the Mosaic dispensation presents four quite distinct divisions: AGP 56.1

First, from Egypt to Canaan. AGP 56.2

Second, from Joshua to Samuel. AGP 56.3

Third, from Samuel to Jeremiah. AGP 56.4

Fourth, from Jeremiah to John the Baptist. AGP 56.5

During the long period of the Mosaic dispensation, the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament, was indeed a checkered one. It is a record of apostasies from God, of subjugations by surrounding nations, of deliverances from captivity by the Lord. It was characterized by great prosperity and progress at certain times, and by great losses and privations at other times. Yet throughout their entire history Jehovah sent to His people, through the prophetic gift, instruction that, if it had been heeded, would have given them safe guidance, prosperity, and triumph. But this instruction was not often appreciated or followed. Israel’s oft-repeated attitude toward this heaven-sent instruction is revealed in a reproachful statement by the Lord as recorded by the prophet Jeremiah: AGP 56.6

“Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them: yet they hearkened not unto Me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers.” Jeremiah 7:25, 26.

A brief survey of the first part of the Mosaic dispensation has been given in the preceding chapter. That review closed with the death of Moses. AGP 56.7