Bible Word of the Day
Education, Old Testament (Common Forms of Education in Old Testament Times)
Meaning
During Old Testament times there were generally four types of education. And usually people would spend their entire lives in the world of the educational system they chose. We have to understand that unlike our modern culture, people of ancient times, lived and breathed what they believed in. Therefore, their education and their beliefs were part of their day to day lives, and their beliefs were demonstrated in their day to day behavior.
During Old Testament times, the types of education available were moral or religious training, academic training, vocational training which meant learning a trade skill, and the final form was military training. Moreover, the Bible stresses that religious training, and the understanding of scripture is above all other forms of education. This is because it leads to knowing God and having a relationship with the Lord through faith. And each type of training involved either special academies, training with a special group of people such as priests or prophets, or training under a mentor or teacher. In addition, training usually started at an early age and many times it began during childhood.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Book of Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
“And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.” (Book of 2nd Kings 2:7)
“Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: ‘I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, And the Lord said to me, Go, prophesy to My people Israel.'” (Book of 2nd Kings 7:14-15)