The beginnings of the monarchy witnessed the emergence of a prophetic group known as the sons of the prophets
(1 Kings 20:35). These groups could have been quite large in number (2 Kings 2:7; 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 18:13; 2 Kings 4:43) and were associated with Ramah (1 Samuel 19:18–20), Bethel (2 Kings 2:3), Jericho, and Gilgal.1 Men from these groups would serve as counsellors of kings, historians of the nation, and instructors of the people (2 Kings 4:13; 2 Kings 6:9; 1 Chronicles 29:29).2
5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying.