In Chapter 1 the author wants to ascertain what an Old Testament prophet was not. Scripture informs us of prohibitions on the function of a prophet. The author explores these prohibitions first in Deuteronomy. He considers Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and Deuteronomy 18:9-13.
One way of seeking communication from the gods of the Canaanites was by ecstatic frenzy. Some scholars believe that Israel learned it from the Canaanites and made it a part of their service. They believe that Israel's former prophets were ecstatics. Evidence is sought in the Old Testament especially from three passages: Numbers 11:25-29, 1 Samuel 10:1-13, and 1 Samuel 19:18-24.
