School of prophets

A company of prophets working and prophesying together under the instruction and leadership of a more experienced prophet. There were also similar companies of false prophets.

A school of prophets used by God to influence others

1 Samuel 19:19–24 See also 1 Samuel 10:5–6, 1 Samuel 10:10–13; 2 Kings 9:1–3; Ezra 5:2

When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah, he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Schools of prophets associated with particular places

Bethel

2 Kings 2:3

Jericho

2 Kings 2:15

Leaders of schools of prophets

Samuel and a school of prophets

1 Samuel 19:20

Elisha and a school of prophets

2 Kings 2:15 See also 2 Kings 4:1, 2 Kings 4:38, 2 Kings 6:1–4

When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

A school of prophets in danger

1 Kings 18:4 See also 1 Kings 18:13

for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.)

Schools of false prophets

1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 18:40, 1 Kings 22:6 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:5; 1 Kings 22:10 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:9; 1 Kings 22:12–14 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:11–13; 1 Kings 22:19–23 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:18–22; Nehemiah 6:14