Customer Reviews

Invitation to Biblical Hebrew

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The right teacher makes all the difference. That's true in any subject. I have found it to be especially true in languages. There are some people who can understand multiple languages (dead and living) with what appears to be little effort. Their brains just get it. But, they don't always make the best teachers. They may have mastered the information, but mastering the delivery is the key to good teaching. That's what makes the best teachers, the best. They understand the importance of delivery. Education is receiving another person's mastery.

I have taken several courses in Biblical Hebrew using one textbook. I didn't feel like I was getting it. So, I tried another well-known grammar and workbook. It was different, but again, I didn't feel like I was getting. Those two books were obviously written by masters of the subject. Maybe it's me, but I didn't feel like they were also masters of delivery.

Then I received "Invitation to Biblical Hebrew" in the mail. It was written by Dr. Fuller of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where I am a student. I know of Dr. Fuller and I know students who have (and are currently) taking courses with him. They all seem to say that he is a great teacher. Though I haven't yet sat under him in a course, my time with him through his textbook, workbook and DVD set have helped change my attitude about Biblical Hebrew. He keeps his chapters short and sweet (When it comes to dead languages - especially ones of a different family [Semitic] than my mother tongue - keep it simple!). That alone helped me overcome my frustration with learning Hebrew. I finally feel like the content is manageable. I have yet to feel overwhelmed in my own directed study of the language.

I haven't worked through the entire textbook or workbook yet, but I have spent a fair amount of time reading the chapters, watching the lectures and using the workbook. The method he utilizes in this three part set is invaluable. I have been reading each chapter, watching the corresponding lecture, reading the chapter again and then doing the appropriate worksheet. It has helped tremendously. I was the student who would jump straight to the homework and spend hours looking back through the chapter to finish the work. The method he insists we follow has actually helped me master each chapter's content (imagine that!).

If you're looking for a grammar to help you learn Biblical Hebrew this is the one I would recommend to anyone. It's essential that you also get the DVD and workbook because it makes a tremendous difference. I am committed to working through this grammar to the end. I know that I will achieve that goal because this grammar has a key difference which sets it apart: delivery. Dr. Fuller knows how to deliver the content of Hebrew grammar in an accessible and helpful way. The only better way to learn a biblical language is to enroll in seminary!

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.