The Schools of the Prophets, as referenced in the Old Testament, were institutions or communities where individuals, often referred to as "sons of the prophets," were trained in the prophetic ministry. These schools played a significant role in the religious and spiritual life of ancient Israel, serving as centers for instruction, worship, and the preservation of the faith.

Biblical References

The concept of the Schools of the Prophets is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Kings, and 1 Chronicles. One of the earliest mentions is in 1 Samuel 10:5, where Samuel instructs Saul to go to Gibeah, where he will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with musical instruments, prophesying. This indicates a communal and organized group engaged in prophetic activities.

In 2 Kings 2:3, the "sons of the prophets" at Bethel come out to meet Elisha, indicating that these groups were established in various locations. The passage states, "Then the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, 'Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?' 'Yes, I know,' he replied, 'do not speak of it.'"

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of the Schools of the Prophets was to train individuals in the prophetic ministry, ensuring the continuation of God's message to His people. These schools were likely places where students learned the Law, engaged in worship, and developed their spiritual gifts. The presence of musical instruments, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:5, suggests that music and worship were integral parts of their activities.

The schools also served as communities of support and fellowship for those called to the prophetic office. In 2 Kings 4:38-44, we see the sons of the prophets gathered around Elisha during a time of famine, highlighting their communal living and reliance on divine provision.

Leadership and Influence

Prominent prophets such as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha were closely associated with these schools. Samuel is often considered the founder of the prophetic movement in Israel, and his leadership set the precedent for the schools' establishment. Elijah and Elisha, in particular, played significant roles in mentoring and guiding the sons of the prophets.

Elisha's interaction with the sons of the prophets in 2 Kings 6:1-7, where he miraculously retrieves a borrowed ax head from the Jordan River, demonstrates his leadership and the respect he commanded among these groups.

Historical and Theological Significance

The Schools of the Prophets were crucial in maintaining the spiritual and moral fabric of Israel during times of apostasy and idolatry. They provided a counterbalance to the prevailing cultural and religious influences that often led the nation away from the worship of Yahweh.

These schools also highlight the communal and educational aspects of the prophetic ministry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, learning, and spiritual growth. The prophetic tradition, as nurtured in these schools, laid the groundwork for the later prophetic writings and messages that continue to influence Judeo-Christian thought.

Conclusion

The Schools of the Prophets were vital institutions in ancient Israel, fostering the development of prophetic leaders and ensuring the continuity of God's message to His people. Through their communal living, worship, and instruction, these schools played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the nation.1 Samuel 19:20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was on the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 20:35
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray you. And the man refused to smite him.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 2:2,3,5,7,15
And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said to him, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 4:1
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my husband is dead; and you know that your servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take to him my two sons to be slaves.
Nave's Topical Index

By the Sea once More
... They had not been students in the schools of the prophets, but for three years they
had been taught by the greatest Educator the world has ever known. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm

The Preacher as a False Prophet.
... These were the Schools of the Prophets, and their students were the Sons of the
Prophets. Samuel seems to have been the first founder of these schools. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture v the preacher as.htm

The Cities of the Levites.
... And the schools of the prophets were little universities, and colleges of
students. For their governor they had some venerable prophet ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 97 the cities of.htm

All the Day Long
... It was Elijah's business to go to the schools of the prophets and instruct the young
students; and he went about that business until he took his seat in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

Import of the Great Commission.
... and respect"Do not lectures on pastoral theology in the schools of the prophets
take it too ... to the duties that might devolve upon his students in foreign ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vii import of the.htm

The Book of Life
... Some students will urge upon us that such mystic revelations are granted ... mental
condition was sought for in the so-called schools of the prophets in the ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter ii the book of.htm

Religious Education --The Fundamental Problem of To-Day
... The Hebrew prophets, priests, and sages were not primarily ... the teaching corps of
our Sunday-schools into effective ... that many of the ablest students in our ...
/.../xvi religious educationthe fundamental problem.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... it is easy now to understand why students and teachers ... fewer than four hundred and
eighty schools in the ... of the Pentateuch, thence to the Prophets, and lastly ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... herself all the "glorious things" which by the holy prophets were "spoken ... the barbaric
magnificence of Asia Minor, had its students in the schools of Greece ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... the thought of their inspiration was dropped; and like other earnest students of
the ... But generally God walks among "the schools of the prophets;" and laying ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

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