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Title: From Exegesis to Exposition: A Practical Guide to Using Biblical Hebrew by Robert B., Jr. Chisholm ISBN: 0-8010-2171-5 Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: April, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $28.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Bridging the Gap Between Biblical Languages and Ministry
Comment: In laying the foundation to his basic thesis, Chisholm elaborated on what is probably the quintessential paradigm for pulpit ministry: mastery of the ancient text. It is unfortunate that many language professors do not incorporate active learning techniques to help students make the crucial connections and applications of the languages, nor do they attempt to relate it to the importance and credibility of practical ministry. There is most likely too much assuming on the part of the professors. They think the students will naturally make the proper cognitive connections, but as Chisholm stated, "Many students come away from the process weary" (9). Chisholm rightly states that knowledge of the ancient text is essential for those who preach and teach God's Word (7).
In building on his theme, Chisholm supports his claim by relating it to the overall background of proper hermeneutical processes, or in his words, proper "exegesis" (11). A fundamental principle of hermeneutics is the study of backgrounds, which includes geography, manners and customs, archaeology, language, as well as other related subjects. It is important to realize that the text is grounded to the historical-cultural context, which is inextricably connected to its meaning (151). The point he makes relates not only to discerning the "text," but also understanding the "context." "What did the text mean to the original audience?" is a necessary question in proper exegesis, and goes against the ever-popular Reader-Oriented techniques (150) employed by many preachers today. This leaves the message devoid of biblical authority and the audiences are left spiritually malnourished! I found it particularly interesting that even the Bible invites the reader to step into the original text by employing the interjection "hineh" (look) in many of its passages (160), thus illustrating the point of putting oneself into the shoes of the biblical characters. This is a fundamental key to unlocking the meaning of the text.
The book achieves its purpose on two levels. First, Chisholm focuses on the mechanics or building blocks of the Hebrew language, such as syntax, pronouns, verbs, in addition to semantics and such. Secondly, he deals with the field of linguistics and how one should understand narrative, poetry, anthropomorphisms, prophecy and the like. Chisholm refers to the latter as "beneath the surface" interpretation (149). Chisholm makes a convincing approach that a mastery of the Hebrew language (and linguistics in general) is imperative for any preaching-teaching ministry and is inextricably connected to "truly biblical" preaching-teaching (223). Of course, Chisholm does point out that multiple perspectives on a passage are okay (224). He is really referring to application, for applications can widely vary and are sometimes a personal issue. But the preacher must never force a modern issue or theme on the ancient text if it does not relate to the author's original intent. This would be considered as "hermeneutical pluralism" (150) or a "postmodern reader-centered" interpretation (8,150).
Chisholm states at the outset that many people feel that language is secondary to "practical" ministry or is simply a luxury and not an essential. To change this perspective, the paradigm shift must come from within the colleges. An institution established on Bible education will suffer academic deficiency if it compromises a high standard for biblical language. Many colleges do this by structuring their academic program in such a way as to provide students the road of less difficulty. If the Bible is the foundation, a mastery of language must be of the highest priority! This book provides an excellent treatment on Hebrew by virtue of its success in bridging the gap between language studies and applying it to preaching-teaching. Certain sections may be a little tedious to read, especially if the reader has not utilized Hebrew over a substantial period of time. I think this book should be in the library of every preacher, and it really should be required reading for college Hebrew courses.
Rating: 5
Summary: A good book
Comment: This is a good book to study biblical hebrew and theaching biblical theology in the church and in the society.
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Title: Old Testament Textual Criticism: A Practical Introduction by Ellis R. Brotzman, Bruce K. Waltke ISBN: 0801010659 Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: May, 1994 List Price(USD): $17.99 |
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Title: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia by American Bible Society ISBN: 3438052199 Publisher: Fortress Press Pub. Date: October, 2000 List Price(USD): $69.99 |
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Title: A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament: Based upon the Lexical Work of Ludwig Koehler and Walter Baumgartner by William Lee Holladay ISBN: 0802834132 Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Pub. Date: December, 1972 List Price(USD): $35.00 |
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Title: Guide to Old Testament Theology and Exegesis, A by Willem A. Vangemeren, Willem A. Van Gemeren ISBN: 0310231930 Publisher: Zondervan Pub. Date: 01 July, 1999 List Price(USD): $21.99 |
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Title: Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon by Francis Brown, S. Driver, C. Briggs ISBN: 1565632060 Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pub. Date: 01 March, 1996 List Price(USD): $34.95 |
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