The Schools of the Prophets
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/lgy0y8C1gU0?list=PLiM0aTPbImBlZf_6rS4av5bi_mPgARziM
Wherever in Israel God's plan of education was carried into effect, its results testified of its Author. But in very many households the training appointed by Heaven, and the characters thus developed, were alike rare. By unbelief and by disregard of the Lord's directions, the Israelites surrounded themselves with temptations that few had power to resist.
Through unfaithfulness in the home, and idolatrous influences without, many of the Hebrew youth received an education differing widely from that which God had planned for them. They learned the ways of the heathen.
*From the earliest times, prophets had been recognized as teachers divinely appointed. In the highest sense the prophet was one who spoke by direct inspiration, communicating to the people the messages he had received from God. *But the name was given also to those who, though not so directly inspired, were divinely called to instruct the people in the works and ways of God. For the training of such a class of teachers, Samuel, by the Lord's direction, established the schools of the prophets.
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 as a sin to allow children to grow up in ignorance of useful labor. Every youth, whether his parents were rich or poor, was taught some trade. Even though he was to be educated for holy office, a knowledge of practical life was regarded as essential to the greatest usefulness.
--In the records of sacred history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah.
--The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary 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.
The principles taught in the schools of the prophets were the same that molded David's character and shaped his life. The world of God was his instructor. Through Thy precepts," he said, "I get understanding. . . . I have inclined mine heart to perform Thy statutes. Psalm 119: 104-112.