I find the study of Hebrew education and biblical times very interesting. I also find it purposeful in being a parent in general, as you are an educator of your children (even if you disagree). God has given you responsibility and authority over your children and you are to raise them to honor Him and to train them up in righteousness and obedience to God's law.
Though we can never have full control about how our children turn out, because free will is a real deal, we have a major role to play and ministry to walk in as parents following our Lord Jesus. Children look upon us to view marriage, parenting, and functioning in society, and how they will one day live as an adult. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Anyways, here are some tidbits I found interesting in how the Hebrews educated their children.
Today's society is focused on a greek method of education...
This type of education fills students minds with facts and information, and lots and lots of knowledge. This can be a great thing, but it is lacking in one area...
Hebrew education focuses on heart education and spiritual discipleship. It is shepherding a child's heart...
"The teacher was generally the synagogue “attendant.” An assistant was provided if there were more than twenty-five students. The primary aim of education at the synagogue school was religious. The Old Testament was the subject matter for this instruction. Reading, writing, and arithmetic were also taught. Memorization, drill, and review were used as approaches to teaching.
Boys usually began formal schooling at the “house of the book” at age five. He would spend at least a half day, six days a week for about five years, studying at the synagogue. Parents brought their son at daybreak and came for him at midday. While not at school the boy was usually learning a trade, such as farming or carpentry.
If a boy wanted training beyond that given in a synagogue, he would go to a scholarly scribe. Saul of Tarsus received such advanced theological training “at the feet of Gamaliel” in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3 ).
No formal educational approach is described in the New Testament. However, Jesus is pictured as teaching large crowds (Mark 4:1-2 )."
Also parents were the main discipleship founders for their children, in teaching them themselves or taking them to places to be taught.
"Deuteronomy 6:7 gives an interesting insight into how parents were to teach their children about God: “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” The parent was to use the various ordinary activities of life as avenues to teach about God. All of life was permeated by religious meaning and teaching about God - which should flow naturally from daily activities.
Primary ways of imparting religious knowledge to children were example, imitation, conversation and stories. Parents could utilize the interest birthed in their children by actual life observances such as Sabbath or Passover to teach about God."
"When the son reached the age of twelve, the Jews believed his education in the Torah was complete enough to help him know the Law and keep it. He was then known as a “son of the Law.” As a symbol of this attainment, the father would fasten the phylacteries upon the arm and forehead of his son. The box placed on the forehead indicated that the laws must be memorized. The other box was placed on the left arm so that it would press against the heart when the arms were folded or the hands were clasped in prayer. The box pressed against the heart would symbolize that the laws were to be loved and obeyed.
Girls received their education at home. A girl's mother taught her what she needed to know to be a good wife and mother.
She learned about such things as dietary laws which had to do with the family's devotion to God. Girls learned the practical side of the laws the boys studied.
A girl learned how to make the home ready for special holidays and Sabbath. In such preparation she learned the customs and history behind the events. She would use this heritage to pass on to her own children in their very early years.
The girl would learn a variety of skills such as weaving, spinning, and treating illnesses. She might also learn to sing and dance and play a musical instrument such as a flute or harp."
Today's society is different, but God's laws, commands,and scriptures never change. The most important thing I glean from studying history- because how cultures functioned is not scripture, but it points to how they chose to follow scripture, is to make teaching my children about God my main ministry. Though I have always done this- its a reboot training in studying Hebrew education for myself.
Truly, we are to heart-teach our children. We are to be more concerned with the education they receive if it honors the Lord, and we are to be diligent in our God-given authority and responsibilities.
As a mom, I have gleaned a lot from examining my parental and educator roles in differing capacities with my kids. My main focus, along with my husband's, is placing them in church, Christian circles, and allowing them to be trained in Christian education at home or school; as we best see fit and how we make daily life function. This is our personal choice and we have no judgement towards families that choose to function differently. Our focus is on gathering around our own and listening to Jesus as we seek Him.
I am not giving my children over to anything that would cause them harm, or to question God's law. If I do choose to place them in an environment that does not foster this, I will be there guiding them and discipling them.
Every family has a different approach to how you raise your kiddos, and that is your God-given role and free-will. I do find the Hebrew way of education, as Hebrews were God's chosen people in the Old Testament the best. God provides. Bottom line- God provides.
I have realized being a parent is the most joyful and rewarding gift from God. I have been given eternal souls to nurture and a great responsibility. So I'm hanging on to education the Hebrew way- which I choose-- heart and discipleship education through daily tasks, past the textbooks and facts, to character and spiritual disciplines.
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