The word of God

“The second remedy for sin is the provision of God's word throughout the Former Prophets. Again, the first pericope of the Former Prophets sets the tone for this solution. This word is communicated through the Torah revealed to Moses and now written in a book (Joshua 1). This word is to be ever present with Joshua, filling his mind and mouth. It is this book that sparks the renewal in the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 22-23), allowing Judah to remain in the land. According to 2 Kings 17, it is rejection of the commandments given to the ancestors that resulted in the Exile. God's word, however, is not restricted to the written Torah but also comes directly through the voice of God. This again is seen from the beginning of the Former Prophets as God commissions the new leader in Joshua 1 and confronts him in Joshua 7. Likewise, Solomon will experience direct revelation in 1 Kings 6 and 9. Though these avenues for the word of God can be discerned throughout the Former Prophets, the dominant vehicle of God's word is the prophets, who are raised up to interpret past and announce future judgment, encourage obedience and repentance through word (prophecy) and deed (miracle), and promise salvation.”A Severe Mercy, page 187