Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of formal schooling as understood today was not prevalent. Education was primarily conducted within the family and religious community, focusing on the transmission of religious, moral, and practical knowledge. The Hebrew word for "teach" (לָמַד, lamad) appears frequently in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of instruction and learning.Old Testament Context Education in ancient Israel was deeply rooted in the family and religious life. Parents were the primary educators, responsible for teaching their children the laws and commandments of God. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 underscores this responsibility: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The role of the Levites and priests was also significant in education, as they were tasked with teaching the Law to the people. In 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 , King Jehoshaphat sends officials, along with Levites and priests, to teach in the cities of Judah, emphasizing the communal aspect of learning. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, serves as a rich source of educational material. Proverbs, in particular, is a collection of teachings and sayings designed to impart wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This highlights the foundational role of reverence for God in the pursuit of knowledge. New Testament Context By the time of the New Testament, Jewish education had become more formalized, with synagogues serving as centers of learning. Jesus Himself was recognized as a teacher, often referred to as "Rabbi" by His disciples and others. His teaching was characterized by parables and direct instruction, aimed at revealing the truths of the Kingdom of God. In the early Christian community, teaching was a vital function, as seen in the Great Commission where Jesus instructs His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of teaching within the church, as seen in his letters to Timothy and Titus, where he outlines the qualifications for church leaders, including the ability to teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9). Role of the Holy Spirit The New Testament also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching and guiding believers into all truth. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will "teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26). This divine instruction is essential for understanding and applying the teachings of Christ. Conclusion While the Bible does not describe schools in the modern sense, it provides a framework for education that emphasizes the transmission of faith, wisdom, and moral instruction. The family, religious community, and the Holy Spirit play crucial roles in this educational process, underscoring the importance of teaching and learning in the life of believers. Smith's Bible Dictionary Schools(In the early ages most of the instruction of young children was by the parents. The leisure hours of the Sabbaths and festival days brought the parents in constant contact with the children. After the captivity schools came more into use, and at the time of Christ were very abundant. The schools were in connection with the synagogues, which were found in every village of the city and land. Their idea of the value of schools may be gained from such sayings from the Talmud as "The world is preserved by the breath of the children in the schools;" "A town in which there are no schools must perish;" "Jerusalem was destroyed because the education of children was neglected." Josephus says, "Our principal care is to educate our children." The Talmud states that in Bechar there were 400 schools, having each 400 teachers, with 400 children each and that there were 4000 pupils in the house of Rabban Simeon Ben-Gamaliel. Maimonides thus describes a school: "The teacher sat at the head, and the pupils surrounded him as the crown the head so that every one could see the teacher and hear his words. The teacher did not sit in a chair while the pupils sat on the ground but all either sat on chairs or on the ground." The children read aloud to acquire fluency. The number of school-hours was limited, and during the heat of the summer was only four hours. The punishment employed was beating with a strap, never with a rod. The chief studies were their own language and literature the chief school-book the Holy Scriptures; and there were special efforts to impress lessons of morality and chastity. Besides these they studied mathematics, astronomy and the natural sciences. Beyond the schools for popular education there were higher schools or colleges scattered throughout the cities where the Jews abounded.--ED.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Schools of the Prophets(1 Samuel 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, 12, 15) were instituted for the purpose of training young men for the prophetical and priestly offices. (see PROPHET; SAMUEL.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETSLibrary Theological Schools. Schools. For Ragged Schools. Fifteenth Day for Schools and Colleges For the Blessing of Schools. His Schools and Schoolmasters. The Schools of this World are of no Higher a Nature... For Wadsley Church Schools. Children Schools Nurseries for Paradise. Synagogues in the City; and Schools. Thesaurus Schools (3 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Schools of the Prophets. ... (see PROPHET; SAMUEL.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS. ... /s/schools.htm - 7k Prophet (315 Occurrences) Lawyer (5 Occurrences) Versions Daniel (74 Occurrences) Children Armenian Senior (3 Occurrences) Education (4 Occurrences) Child (355 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view prayer in public schools? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Mahayana Buddhism? | GotQuestions.org What is Hanafi Islam? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Schools (3 Occurrences)John 7:15 Acts 4:13 Galatians 5:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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