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The School of the Prophets was an institution established by men of God in biblical times to train individuals for service in ministry and leadership. These schools provided instruction in the law of God, the history of Israel, sacred music, and prophetic teachings. The purpose of the school of the prophets was to prepare dedicated individuals to serve as prophets, scribes, and teachers among the people. The concept appears prominently during the time of Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha, and it played a critical role in preserving true worship and the knowledge of God amidst the growing apostasy in Israel.
The School of the Prophets under Samuel
Samuel is regarded as the founder of the School of the Prophets. He initiated this system as a response to the spiritual decline in Israel, particularly the corruption of the priesthood under Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17). The schools were meant to nurture a faithful remnant who would guide the people back to God.
1 Samuel 10:5-6 (NKJV) describes an encounter Saul had with a group of prophets:
“After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying. Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.”
This passage suggests that these prophets were organized and engaged in worship and spiritual exercises under the guidance of a mentor. Samuel likely led these institutions to train men to uphold the covenant and instruct the nation in righteousness.
The School of the Prophets under Elijah and Elisha
During the time of Elijah and Elisha, the School of the Prophets took on a more prominent role. The spiritual condition of Israel had worsened due to the influence of Ahab and Jezebel, who promoted Baal worship (1 Kings 16:30-33). In response, Elijah and Elisha sought to strengthen the faithful remnant through these schools.
2 Kings 2:3 (NKJV) states:
“Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I know; keep silent.'”
The term “sons of the prophets” suggests that there were organized groups of prophetic students under the instruction of Elijah and Elisha. These schools were located in multiple cities, including Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal (2 Kings 2:5, 2 Kings 4:38).
2 Kings 4:38 (NKJV) records:
“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, ‘Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.'”
This verse shows that these schools were not only centers of instruction but also of communal living and spiritual development.
The Curriculum of the Schools
The training in the School of the Prophets likely included several key areas:
- The Law of God – Students were trained in the Torah, ensuring they understood God’s commandments and could teach them to the people (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
- Prophetic Guidance – Those called to be prophets received instruction in recognizing and delivering messages from God (Jeremiah 1:5-10).
- Sacred Music and Worship – As seen in 1 Samuel 10:5, music played an important role in prophetic ministry.
- Historical Teachings – The history of Israel and God’s dealings with His people were emphasized to reinforce faithfulness (Psalm 78:1-8).
- Practical Ministry and Leadership – Students were prepared to serve as spiritual leaders, guiding the people through crises and moral decline.
The Role of the School of the Prophets in Preserving True Worship
The Schools of the Prophets served as a safeguard against idolatry and apostasy. By training faithful leaders, these institutions countered the growing corruption in Israel. Elijah and Elisha, in particular, used these schools to strengthen the resistance against Baal worship and to promote the worship of Yahweh.
1 Kings 18:4 (NKJV) states:
“For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.”
This passage highlights the hostile environment in which the schools operated. The prophets trained in these institutions were often persecuted for standing against idolatry.
The Decline and Legacy of the Schools
By the time of the Babylonian exile, the influence of the Schools of the Prophets had waned, as the people increasingly turned to false prophets and ignored God’s messages (Jeremiah 23:16-22). However, their legacy persisted in the ministries of great prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who continued the tradition of instructing the people and calling them to repentance.
Conclusion
The School of the Prophets was a crucial institution in biblical history, established to train individuals in God’s law, prophetic ministry, and spiritual leadership. It played a significant role in preserving true worship, countering apostasy, and preparing faithful leaders to guide Israel. Under Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha, these schools became centers of instruction, communal living, and prophetic guidance. Despite their decline over time, their impact endured in the ministries of later prophets who continued to call Israel back to God. The School of the Prophets serves as a powerful example of God’s desire to equip His servants for faithful service, ensuring that His truth is preserved from generation to generation.