Patriarchs and Prophets is the opening volume of Ellen G. White's Conflict of the Ages series -- the sweeping story of the great controversy between Christ and Satan as it unfolds through the Old Testament. Its full original title was The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets, As Illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old. Beginning before the creation of the world with the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven, it traces the history of God's dealings with humanity through the Fall, the Flood, the patriarchs, the Exodus, the giving of the law, the wilderness wanderings, and the founding of Israel, closing with the reign of King David. Through the lives of real men and women, it makes plain how the cosmic conflict between God and Satan touches every human heart.

Ellen White wrote this book to reveal the character of God and the principles of His government as displayed across Old Testament history. She wanted readers to see that the same controversy between good and evil that began in heaven continues in every life today -- and that God's law of love stands at the center of it. The book answers the deep questions of human existence: Where did we come from? Where are we going? And if God is all-powerful, why does He permit evil? It presents the Old Testament not as dry history but as a living revelation of God's redeeming love.

Anyone wanting to understand the Old Testament through the lens of the great controversy, and to see God's character revealed in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets. It is foundational reading for grasping the Adventist understanding of salvation history, the law, and the sanctuary.

Review and Herald Publishing Association

Patriarchs and Prophets contains 66 chapters covering Old Testament history from before Creation to the reign of King David. Because of its length, the chapters below are grouped by the era of sacred history they cover. The complete chapter-by-chapter text is available free at the read link.