Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

counselors. He drew young men who were devout, intelligent, and
studious. These were called the sons of the prophets. The
instructors, who knew God's truth well, had themselves enjoyed
communion with God and received from His Spirit. They had the
respect and confidence of the people.
In Samuel's day there were two of these schools--at Ramah and
at Kirjath Jearim. Others were established later.
The pupils supported themselves by farming or in some
mechanical employment. In Israel it was thought to be a crime to
allow children to grow up ignorant of useful work. Every child
learned some trade, even if he was to be educated for holy work.
Many religious teachers supported themselves by manual labor.
Even as late as the time of the apostles, Paul and Aquila earned a
livelihood by tent making.
The law of God, sacred history, sacred music, and poetry were
the chief subjects of study in these schools. Instruction was different
from the teaching in the theological schools of today, from which
many students graduate knowing less about God and religious truth
than when they entered. The aim of all study was to learn the will of
God and man's duty toward Him. In sacred history students traced
the footsteps of Jehovah. Great truths shown by the sanctuary
symbols were brought to view, and faith grasped the main point of
that entire system--the Lamb of God that was to take away the sin of
the world.
538