1 Samuel 19:18 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He and Samuel went, and dwelt in Naioth— The Chaldee renders this as if it was an appellation, the school of learning. This was the famous school of the prophets. As many have been at a loss to ascertain the specific nature of these schools, it will not be unseasonable to endeavour to remove their difficulties. We have in this book only a partial view of the prophets; i.e. a view of them while at their devotions only, and not at their studies: for Saul and his messengers coming when the society was prophesying, or at divine worship, the spirit of God fell upon them, and they prophesied also. And thus the Chaldee paraphrast understands prophesying; adoring God, and singing praises to him: for we may well suppose, that they began and ended all their daily studies with this holy exercise. The college of the prophets was dedicated to the study of the Jewish law only; and, as such, was naturally and properly a seminary of prophets: for those who were most knowing and zealous in the law were surely most fit to convey God's commands to his people. Samuel was set over, or was master of one of these schools. See Samuel Triplici Nomine Laudat.; by Dr. Barton.