The Schools of the Prophets
God Gave
The Lord Himself directed the education of Israel. His care was not
restricted to their religious interests; whatever affected their mental or
physical well-being was also the subject of divine providence, and came
within the sphere of divine law.
God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His requirements and
to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their fathers. This was
one of the special duties of every parent--one that was not to be delegated
to another. In the place of stranger lips the loving hearts of the father
and mother were to give instruction to their children. Thoughts of God were
to be associated with all the events of daily life. The mighty works of God
in the deliverance of His people and the promises of the Redeemer to come
were to be often recounted in the homes of Israel; and the use of figures
and symbols caused the lessons given to be more firmly fixed in the memory.
The great truths of God's providence and of the future life were impressed
on the young mind. It was trained to see God alike in the scenes of nature
and the words of revelation. The stars of heaven, the trees and flowers of
the field, the lofty mountains, the rippling brooks--all spoke of the
Creator. The solemn service of sacrifice and worship at the sanctuary and
the utterances of the prophets were a revelation of God.
Such was the training of Moses in the lowly cabin home in Goshen; of Samuel,
by the faithful Hannah; of David, in the hill dwelling at Bethlehem; of
Daniel, before the scenes of the captivity separated him from the home of
his fathers. Such, too, was the early life of Christ at Nazareth; such the
training by which the child Timothy learned from the lips of his grandmother
Lois, and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15), the truths of Holy Writ.
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Further provision was made for the instruction of the young, by the
establishment of the schools of the prophets. If a youth desired to search
deeper into the truths of the word of God and to seek wisdom from above,
that he might become a teacher in Israel, these schools were open to him.
The schools of the prophets were founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier
against the widespread corruption, to provide for the moral and spiritual
welfare of the youth, and to promote the future prosperity of the nation by
furnishing it with men qualified to act in the fear of God as leaders and
counselors. In the accomplishment of this object Samuel gathered companies
of young men who were pious, intelligent, and studious. These were called
the sons of the prophets. As they communed with God and studied His word and
His works, wisdom from above was added to their natural endowments. The
instructors were men not only well versed in divine truth, but those who had
themselves enjoyed communion with God and had received the special endowment
of His Spirit. They enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people, both
for learning and piety.
In Samuel's day there were two of these schools--one at Ramah, the home of
the prophet, and the other at Kirjath-jearim, where the ark then was. Others
were established in later times.
The pupils of these schools sustained themselves by their own labor in
tilling the soil or in some mechanical employment. In Israel this was not
thought strange or degrading; indeed, it was regarded a crime to allow
children to grow up in ignorance of useful labor. By the command of God
every child was taught some trade, even though he was to be educated for
holy office. Many of the religious teachers supported themselves by manual
labor. Even so late as the time of the apostles, Paul and Aquila were no
less honored because they earned a livelihood by their trade of tentmaking.
The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of God, with the
instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. The
manner of instruction was far different from that in the theological schools
of the present day, from which many students graduate with less real
knowledge of God and religious truth than when they entered. In those
schools of the olden time it was the grand object of all study to learn the
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will of God and man's duty toward Him. In the records of sacred history were
traced the footsteps of Jehovah. The great truths set forth by the types
were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that
system--the Lamb of God that was to take away the sin of the world.
A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were students taught the duty
of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator,
how to exercise faith in Him, and how to understand and obey the teachings
of His Spirit. Sanctified intellects brought forth from the treasure house
of God things new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy
and sacred song.
Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which
is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and
gratitude to God. What a contrast between the ancient custom and the uses to
which music is now too often devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt
self, instead of using it to Glorify God! A love for music leads the unwary
to unite with world lovers in pleasure gatherings where God has forbidden
His children to go. Thus that which is a great blessing when rightly used,
becomes one of the most successful agencies by which Satan allures the mind
from duty and from the contemplation of eternal things.
Music forms a part of God's worship in the courts above, and we should
endeavor, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly as possible to the
harmony of the heavenly choirs. The proper training of the voice is an
important feature in education and should not be neglected. Singing, as a
part of religious service, is as much an act of worship as is prayer. The
heart must feel the spirit of the song to give it right expression.
How wide the difference between those schools taught by the prophets of God
and our modern institutions of learning! How few schools are to be found
that are not governed by the maxims and customs of the world! There is a
deplorable lack of proper restraint and judicious discipline. The existing
ignorance of God's word among a people professedly Christian is alarming.
Superficial talk, mere sentimentalism, passes for instruction in morals and
religion. The justice and mercy of God, the beauty of holiness and the sure
reward of rightdoing, the heinous character of sin and the certainty of its
terrible results,
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are not impressed upon the minds of the young. Evil associates are
instructing the youth in the ways of crime, dissipation, and licentiousness.
Are there not some lessons which the educators of our day might learn with
profit from the ancient schools of the Hebrews? He who created man has
provided for his development in body and mind and soul. Hence, real success
in education depends upon the fidelity with which men carry out the
Creator's plan.
The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. In
the beginning God created man in His own likeness. He endowed him with noble
qualities. His mind was well balanced, and all the powers of his being were
harmonious. But the Fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has
marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore
this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was
granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first
created is the great object of life--the object that underlies every other.
It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to
co-operate with the divine purpose; and is so doing they are "laborers
together with God." 1 Corinthians 3:9.
All the varied capabilities that men possess--of mind and soul and body--are
given them by God, to be so employed as to reach the highest possible degree
of excellence. But this cannot be a selfish and exclusive culture; for the
character of God, whose likeness we are to receive, is benevolence and love.
Every faculty, every attribute, with which the Creator has endowed us is to
be employed for His glory and for the uplifting of our fellow men. And in
this employment is found its purest, noblest, and happiest exercise.
Were this principle given the attention which its importance demands, there
would be a radical change in some of the current methods of education.
Instead of appealing to pride and selfish ambition, kindling a spirit of
emulation, teachers would endeavor to awaken the love for goodness and truth
and beauty--to arouse the desire for excellence. The student would seek the
development of God's gifts in himself, not to excel others, but to fulfill
the purpose of the Creator and to receive His likeness. Instead of being
directed to mere earthly standards, or being actuated
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by the desire for self-exaltation, which in itself dwarfs and belittles, the
mind would be directed to the Creator, to know Him and to become like Him.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the
Holy is understanding." Proverbs 9:10. The great work of life is character
building, and a knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. To
impart this knowledge and to mold the character in harmony with it should be
the object of the teacher's work. The law of God is a reflection of His
character. Hence the psalmist says, "All Thy commandments are
righteousness;" and "through Thy precepts I get understanding." Psalm
119:172, 104. God has revealed Himself to us in His word and in the works of
creation. Through the volume of inspiration and the book of nature we are to
obtain a knowledge of God.
It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon
which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it
will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with
difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth. As
an educating power the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind
finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The Bible is
the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the
fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its purity
through all the ages. It lights up the far-distant past, where human
research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God's word we behold the power that
laid the foundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here
only can we find a history of our race unsullied by human prejudice or human
pride. Here are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the victories of
the greatest men this world has ever known. Here the great problems of duty
and destiny are unfolded. The curtain that separates the visible from the
invisible world is lifted, and we behold the conflict of the opposing forces
of good and evil, from the first entrance of sin to the final triumph of
righteousness and truth; and all is but a revelation of the character of
God. In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in His word the
mind of the student is brought into communion with the infinite mind. Such a
study will not only refine and ennoble
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the character, but it cannot fail to expand and invigorate the mental
powers.
The teaching of the Bible has a vital bearing upon man's prosperity in all
the relations of this life. It unfolds the principles that are the
cornerstone of a nation's prosperity--principles with which is bound up the
well-being of society, and which are the safeguard of the family--principles
without which no man can attain usefulness, happiness, and honor in this
life, or can hope to secure the future, immortal life. There is no position
in life, no phase of human experience, for which the teaching of the Bible
is not an essential preparation. Studied and obeyed, the word of God would
give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect than will the
closest application to all the subjects that human philosophy embraces. It
would give men of strength and solidity of character, of keen perception and
sound judgment--men who would be an honor to God and a blessing to the
world.
In the study of the sciences also we are to obtain a knowledge of the
Creator. All true science is but an interpretation of the handwriting of God
in the material world. Science brings from her research only fresh evidences
of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly understood, both the book of nature
and the written word make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of
the wise and beneficent laws through which He works.
The student should be led to see God in all the works of creation. Teachers
should copy the example of the Great Teacher, who from the familiar scenes
of nature drew illustrations that simplified His teachings and impressed
them more deeply upon the minds of His hearers. The birds caroling in the
leafy branches, the flowers of the valley, the lofty trees, the fruitful
lands, the springing grain, the barren soil, the setting sun gilding the
heavens with its golden beams--all served as means of instruction. He
connected the visible works of the Creator with the words of life which He
spoke, that whenever these objects should be presented to the eyes of His
hearers, their thoughts might revert to the lessons of truth He had linked
with them.
The impress of Deity, manifest in the pages of revelation, is seen upon the
lofty mountains, the fruitful valleys, the broad, deep ocean. The things of
nature speak to man of his Creator's
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love. He has linked us to Himself by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in
earth. This world is not all sorrow and misery. "God is love," is written
upon every opening bud, upon the petals of every flower, and upon every
spire of grass. Though the curse of sin has caused the earth to bring forth
thorns and thistles, there are flowers upon the thistles and the thorns are
hidden by roses. All things in nature testify to the tender, fatherly care
of our God and to His desire to make His children happy. His prohibitions
and injunctions are not intended merely to display His authority, but in all
that He does He has the well-being of His children in view. He does not
require them to give up anything that it would be for their best interest to
retain.
The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not
conductive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the most
mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: "The fear of the Lord tendeth to
life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied." Proverbs 19:23. "What man
is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep
thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil,
and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:12-14. The words of wisdom
"are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."
Proverbs 4:22.
True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God, physical,
mental, and moral. It teaches self-control, serenity, temperance. Religion
ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and sanctifies the judgment. It makes
the soul a partaker of the purity of heaven. Faith in God's love and
overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the
heart with joy and contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion
tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our
enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never-failing
fountain of happiness. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might
realize that He has something vastly better to offer them that they are
seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to
his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real
joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best, and
who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression leads to
misery and destruction; but wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness, and all
her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:17.
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The physical as well as the religious training practiced in the schools of
the Hebrews may be profitably studied. The worth of such training is not
appreciated. There is an intimate relation between the mind and the body,
and in order to reach a high standard of moral and intellectual attainment
the laws that control our physical being must be heeded. To secure a strong,
well-balanced character, both the mental and the physical powers must be
exercised and developed. What study can be more important for the young than
that which treats of this wonderful organism that God has committed to us,
and of the laws by which it may be preserved in health?
And now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should be instructed in the
duties of practical life. Each should acquire a knowledge of some branch of
manual labor by which, if need be, he may obtain a livelihood. This is
essential, not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but
from its bearing upon physical, mental, and moral development. Even if it
were certain that one would never need to resort to manual labor for his
support, still he should be taught to work. Without physical exercise, no
one can have a sound constitution and vigorous health; and the discipline of
well-regulated labor is no less essential to the securing of a strong and
active mind and a noble character.
Every student should devote a portion of each day to active labor. Thus
habits of industry would be formed and a spirit of self-reliance encouraged,
while the youth would be shielded from many evil and degrading practices
that are so often the result of idleness. And this is all in keeping with
the primary object of education, for in encouraging activity, diligence, and
purity we are coming into harmony with the Creator.
Let the youth be led to understand the object of their creation, to honor
God and bless their fellow men; let them see the tender love which the
Father in heaven has manifested toward them, and the high destiny for which
the discipline of this life is to prepare them, the dignity and honor to
which they are called, even to become the sons of God, and thousands would
turn with contempt and loathing from the low and selfish aims and the
frivolous pleasures that have hitherto engrossed them. They would learn to
hate sin and to shun it, not merely from hope of reward or fear of
punishment, but from a sense of its inherent
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baseness, because it would be a degrading of their God-given powers, a stain
upon their Godlike manhood.
God does not bid the youth to be less aspiring. The elements of character
that make a man successful and honored among men--the irrepressible desire
for some greater good, the indomitable will, the strenuous exertion, the
untiring perseverance--are not to be crushed out. By the grace of God they
are to be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal
interests as the heavens are higher than the earth. And the education begun
in this life will be continued in the life to come. Day by day the wonderful
works of God, the evidences of His wisdom and power in creating and
sustaining the universe, the infinite mystery of love and wisdom in the plan
of redemption, will open to the mind in new beauty. "Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9. Even in this life
we may catch glimpses of His presence and may taste the joy of communion
with Heaven, but the fullness of its joy and blessing will be reached in the
hereafter. Eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which man,
restored to God's image, may attain.