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The biblical prophets are justly regarded as the critical conscience of Israel. The oracles attributed to them are, in at least 75% of cases, denunciations of the intolerable. In this context, it is not surprising that power, in all of its forms and manifestations, should be the object of their critiques. All varieties of power are concerned: political power (both national and international), social power, and religious power. God’s action for his people is what “justifies” the prophetic critique. This foundation takes different forms in, for example, the Book of Exodus and in the dynasty of David, but it is from this perspective that law and justice appear inescapable and clearly possible as a human response to a relationship established by God.