Topical Bible: Prophets: Ordinary: Trained up and Instructed in Schools

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In the biblical narrative, prophets hold a significant role as messengers of God, conveying His will and guidance to the people of Israel. While many prophets received their calling directly from God, there is evidence within the Scriptures that some prophets were trained and instructed in schools, often referred to as "schools of the prophets" or "companies of the prophets." These institutions served as centers for spiritual and prophetic education, where individuals were prepared for their roles as God's spokespeople.

Biblical Evidence of Prophetic Schools

The concept of prophetic schools is most prominently seen during the time of Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha. These schools were likely established to nurture and develop the spiritual gifts and prophetic abilities of those called to serve God in this capacity.

1. Samuel and the Company of Prophets: Samuel, a pivotal figure in the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, is associated with the early formation of prophetic communities. In 1 Samuel 10:5, Samuel instructs Saul to go to Gibeah, where he will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with musical instruments, prophesying. This suggests an organized group engaged in prophetic activity. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres before them, and they will be prophesying."

2. Elijah and Elisha's Involvement: The ministries of Elijah and Elisha further illustrate the existence of prophetic schools. In 2 Kings 2:3, the "sons of the prophets" at Bethel come out to meet Elisha, indicating a community of prophets. The BSB records: "Then the sons of the prophets 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.'"

3. The Role of Elisha: Elisha, who succeeded Elijah, is closely associated with these prophetic communities. In 2 Kings 4:38, Elisha returns to Gilgal, where there is a famine, and the "sons of the prophets" are sitting before him. This scene suggests a setting where Elisha is teaching or leading a group of prophets. The BSB states: "When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, 'Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these men.'"

Purpose and Function of Prophetic Schools

The schools of the prophets served several purposes:

· Spiritual Formation: These schools provided an environment for spiritual growth and development, where individuals could deepen their relationship with God and hone their prophetic gifts.

· Instruction in the Law and Prophetic Tradition: Students likely received instruction in the Law of Moses and the traditions of the prophets, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to guide the people according to God's will.

· Community and Support: The schools fostered a sense of community among the prophets, offering mutual support and encouragement in their challenging roles.

· Preparation for Ministry: Through mentorship and practical experience, individuals were prepared for active ministry, ready to deliver God's messages to the nation.

Conclusion

The existence of prophetic schools highlights the structured approach to nurturing prophetic ministry in ancient Israel. These institutions played a crucial role in preparing ordinary individuals for the extraordinary task of serving as God's messengers, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the prophetic tradition throughout Israel's history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:3,5
And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said to him, Know you that the LORD will take away your master from your head to day? And he said, Yes, I know it; hold you your peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... we are justified in concluding that ordinary existence in ... girls were no less thoroughly
trained than were ... and in the exalted national ideals of the Prophets. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Preface.
... the work in question,""In their ordinary, if not ... Men who have never been taught and
trained, but have ... freely as they have handled the Prophets, Apostles, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/preface.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... mean who is called the sorcerer [1401] by ordinary people and ... learned the Law of
Moses and the prophets at the ... He writes to Timothy who had been trained in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... an "olel," and a "jonek""had Eunice trained Timothy in ... In that synagogue Moses and
the Prophets would be ... of the various Sanhedrims"who on ordinary days sat ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Like Elijah in the schools of the Prophets, he was ... be disgustful almost in any other.'
An ordinary Christian, for ... who should tell his cook 'to stir up the fire ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... in the princess at Meidum; it merely trained him to ... Each of the ordinary dead was
landed at that ... with the worship of Amon-Ra"priests, prophets, singers, and ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... be led, should be exhorted and trained, as far ... The prophets warned them that they
should not trust ... and position"bishops superior to the ordinary priests, and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Homiletical.
... Fasting begets prophets, strengthens strong men ... Thou must be trained in the lessons
of this life before ... 780 c. The ordinary rendering to "flog fire," adopted by ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... to draw his people to an ordinary degree, not by ... schoolmaster [2591] the law, of
the prophets who intervened ... Some are led by doctrine, others trained by example ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Methinks you look as if you were concerned about something more than ordinary. ... there
is in many families; by virtue of which poor children are trained up in sin ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm