In the ancient world, much as today, nations and rulers sought strength in force, influence and-sometimes-strange or material idols. Above these stood the Israelite prophets, messengers from God who brought good news as well as hard words. Using metaphors, imagery, and poetic language, a colorful portrait of God's love for his people-especially the poor and oppressed-is painted. Many didn't always heed his word and found themselves amid the consequences of their actions-or lack thereof. In Prophets I: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Fr. William A. Anderson probes these visions, prophecies, and oracles, offering historical context to the messages as well as spiritual insight into the action. He takes us from Judah to Assyria, through the Babylonian exile and back again, describing how God can work good out of evil and send grace through sin then-and now.