PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF EDUCATION IN ISRAEL

In the beginning of September the doors of the schools again opened and our children began or continued their studies, which are so important for their future -- future in the wider sense of the word, because our stay on this world is a preparation for eternity. Our life is short when compared with the never-ending eternity which follows. Still we spend much more time in che preparation for temporal things, than we spend for eternal things. There must be something wrong. What does God’s Word say about this? It gives a clear answer how it should be, as the apostle Paul says it here in his letter to Timothy.

Among the Jews education was definitely God-centered as to principles, contents and methods. They were instructed with respect to the words and deeds of God, as recorded in the sacred writings. This is evident throughout the Old Testament (see Genesis 18:19, Exodus 10:2, and many other passages). Naturally the content of this body of God-centered education was: “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” That was also its purpose: “This is the end of the matter. . .Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

As is clear from many of the passages cited, the physical-mental-moral-spiritual nurture of the child was at first centered solely in the home, with both father and mother taking part in it. Children were admonished to give heed to their father’s instruction and not to reject their mother’s teaching. The reason why everything was not simply left to the children was that the little ones were viewed as being not only immature (reason enough in itself), but also because of their sinful nature, hence incapable of themselves to choose the good. (Psalm 51:5).

In Israel God-centered education was begun when the child was still very young. (I Samuel 1:27-28). The purpose of beginning early is expressed beautifully in the words of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go (literally, according to his way), and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This is not a guarantee for a godly life, but it keeps them from many sins. In the midst of the difficult task of properly training their children, Israelites received much encouragement from God’s covenant promise: “I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee.’’

In view of the fact that the child was regarded to be sinful by nature, but by grace capable of inner change, discipline was not cast aside as unprofitable or unjust. The rod of corruption was not spared, yet was used with discretion, since wise reproof was considered generally better than a hundred stripes. Above all, parents loved their children, and nurtured them in the spirit of love. Jewish children were not forced to devote all their time to work and study. They also had their games. (Zechariah 8:5).

Although at first the education of the child was viewed as the sole task and responsibility of the parents, at a later period priests, Levites, prophets, special tutors(Numbers 11:12, II Samuel 12:25), wise men, scribes and rabbis all contributed their share in raising the cultural level of the youth and of the nation. After the exile (especially from the time of Simon ben Shatah about 70 B.C.) due to scribal influence, a new order of educational institutions or schools gradually arose. Accordingly, in the manner of devout Israelites, grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had instructed little Timothy, whereof our text speaks. Note the expression “from a child”, or from infancy, as it is literally.

Parents, do you feel your responsibility for the children? If we have neglected to do according to God’s commandment, then we do not seek the welfare of our children. The Divine commandment to train our children according to Scripture may be felt; how blessed was this instruction for Timothy. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able (under the administration of the Holy Ghost) to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Norwich, Ontario

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