“[Joseph Smith Jr.] has been indefatigable in acquiring the principles of the sacred language of the Old Testament Scriptures in their original tongue.” — Joshua Seixas
Early in 1833, the Lord directed the Saints in Kirtland to organize a school (known as the School of the Prophets).2 Joseph Smith personally organized the school and initially served as a temporary instructor. The administration was overseen by a committee including Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams, and Oliver Cowdery. By 1836, the school emphasized language studies, particularly Hebrew, under the guidance of Joshua Seixas, a very competent Hebrew scholar. Classes were held in the attic story of the Kirtland Temple, utilizing Seixas's textbooks and grammar guides.3
This period marked a peak in the school's activities, with Seixas teaching multiple classes to accommodate the interest in Hebrew studies among the Saints. The formal classes concluded by March 29, 1836, although there is evidence that Seixas may have conducted additional sessions later that summer.3
