School: State
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In the context of the Bible, the concept of a "school" as understood in modern terms is not explicitly mentioned. However, the Scriptures do provide insights into education, learning, and the role of the state in these processes. The Bible emphasizes the importance of wisdom and knowledge, often linking them to the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Education in Ancient Israel

Education in ancient Israel was primarily centered around the family and religious institutions. Parents were instructed to teach their children the laws and commandments of God diligently. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "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." This passage highlights the parental responsibility in the education of children, focusing on spiritual and moral instruction.

Role of Religious Leaders

Religious leaders, such as priests and Levites, also played a significant role in education. They were responsible for teaching the Law and ensuring that the people understood God's commandments. In 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 , King Jehoshaphat sent officials, along with Levites and priests, to teach in the cities of Judah, emphasizing the importance of religious education.

State Involvement in Education

While the Bible does not describe a formal state-run educational system, it does provide examples of state involvement in the education of individuals for specific purposes. For instance, Daniel and his companions were educated in the literature and language of the Chaldeans as part of their preparation for service in the Babylonian court (Daniel 1:3-5). This indicates that the state, in certain contexts, took an active role in the education of individuals for governmental service.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, including Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, serves as a form of educational material, offering instruction on how to live a life pleasing to God. Proverbs 1:2-4 states, "To know wisdom and discipline, to comprehend the words of insight, to receive instruction in wise living, in righteousness, justice, and equity, to impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young." This underscores the value placed on education and the acquisition of wisdom.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, the emphasis on teaching and learning continues, particularly within the context of the early church. Jesus is often referred to as "Teacher" (John 13:13), and His disciples were instructed to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). The apostle Paul also highlights the importance of teaching within the church, as seen in his letters to Timothy and Titus, where he instructs them to teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:11; Titus 2:1).

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a detailed blueprint for a state-run educational system, it emphasizes the importance of education, particularly in the context of spiritual and moral instruction. The role of parents, religious leaders, and, in certain instances, the state, is acknowledged in the process of educating individuals to live lives that honor God.
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2 Chronicles 17:7-9
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
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Daniel 1:3-21
And the king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
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Library

Sells Out at Alexandria. Moves to Crittenden. Preaches There and ...
... Low State of these Churches. Plan of Work. Memorizing in Sunday-school. ... Low State
of these Churches. Plan of Work. Memorizing in Sunday-school. ...
/.../chapter xii sells out at.htm

That the Proper School of Contemplation is Solitude. ...
... unanimous acknowledgment of all mystic writers, the only proper school of contemplation ...
and more permanently in a well-ordered religious state, which affords ...
/.../chapter i that the proper.htm

Of a Religious State. ...
... Bruno, &c.,) the most proper school of contemplation. A state of life certainly
the most happy, quiet, and secure (if rightly undertaken and accordingly pursued ...
/.../chapter iii of a religious.htm

Visits Midway. Attends the Missouri State Convention. Reflections. ...
... Lucy was president of the school. ... The State Board of the Missouri Christian Missionary
Society invited me to deliver an address before the State Convention ...
/.../chapter xvii visits midway attends.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... theory of Kant, and is now the theory of the transcendental school in Europe ... Psychology,
p.162.) Those who follow Kant, Cousin, and Coleridge state the theory ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture v foundation of moral.htm

His First School. The School-House. The Teacher. The Order of ...
... this short chapter upon my school life, to allude to the great improvement in the
matter of common schools since I was a boy. My native State, though sadly ...
/.../chapter ii his first school.htm

Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel
... Preaches there and at Williamstown. Low State of these Churches. Plan of Work.
Memorizing in Sunday-school. Lack of Church Discipline. One-Man System. ...
/.../allen/autobiography of frank g allen minister of the gospel/

In Opposition to those of the School of Epicurus who Deny The
... I. In Opposition to Those of the School of Epicurus Who Deny the. ... they are themselves
parts of the universe, out of which in their undivided state all things ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/i in opposition to those.htm

The Heresy Traceable to Valentinus, an Able but Restless Man Many ...
... One of Them Shows Respect to the Man Whose Name Designates the Entire School. ... their
customary dissimulation, most of them are in a divided state, being ready ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter iv the heresy traceable to.htm

He Abandons the School-Room. Remarkable Meeting Near Alexandria. ...
... After teaching a year, I decided to abandon the school-room and give myself wholly ...
did some mission work in Boone county, under the direction of the State Board ...
/.../chapter xi he abandons the.htm

Resources
What is Vacation Bible School? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about Sunday school? | GotQuestions.org

What was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.org

School: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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