Understanding Hebrew: it's role in learning and liberty

 Do the attention activity.

Hebrew is a great example of learning through original sources and symbols. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we descend from Hebrews. It’s our culture--our heritage. 

Hebrew is both a culture and a language. The better we understand one, the better we can understand the other; the better we can connect with our past, our heritage, and original ways. 

Let’s learn a little about the Hebrew Culture, then we may better see a pattern into how learning from original ways can open our understanding to new ways of learning and personal revelation.

Did you know there is an aboriginal tribe in north Queensland, Australia, called the Guugu Ymithirr. They use cardinal directions to express spatial information. So rather than “Can you move to my left?” they would say “Can you move to the west?” That affects the way they speak and also how they view the world. It will be different that other cultures.

 

I’ll bet you are asking “how does this relate to Hebrew? Much like the Hopi Native American culture, the Hebrew culture and language views time differently than the English language. They view time not as past, present and future; but rather as what is known vs. what is unknown? And that affects how they speak, think, learn and act. It affects their culture. 

 

And what more than that is we can recognize a shift in their language. Shifts especially happened in timeframes where they were in captivity or scattered. Notice the patterns in the chart:

 

An analysis of ancient, original documents written in Hebrew show major shifts in the Hebrew language as their culture was influenced by outside cultures...and as they were in captivity or scattered. Once you can see the big picture and historical context of events and how that influenced change in language, it’s easier to understand how meaning was lost in the Hebrew language: bondage to Egyptians, being taken captive by Babylonians (whose writing tools/stylus influenced the modern Hebrew script), or as tribes and families scattered throughout other lands and peoples.

So why does all of this matter?

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Restoration of all things

Did you know that Hebrew was at one point proposed to be the official language of America? Why, especially when we have our own culture and language?

Original Seal Benjamin Franklin proposed: Moses parting the Red Sea

America was a new promised land, under God's protection. A covenant land. A land rooted in God and Hebrew origins. We share a common story. It’s no wonder why Benjamin Franklin wanted the American seal to have Moses and the red sea depicted. That’s our heritage. Our roots. And the more we connect to them, the more we may find greater opportunities to discover God’s grace, goodness and His nature--truth.

 

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and many early saints and followers of Christ desired to study the Bible in it’s original language so they could have a deeper understanding of God’s nature and truths. They desired a more accurate, pure source.

Martin Luther, who sought to identify true principles from the scriptures and translated it so more could read in German, said this of Hebrew:

“The Hebrew language is the best language of all, with the richest vocabulary . . . . If I were younger I would want to learn this language, because no one can really understand the Scriptures without it. For although the New Testament is written in Greek, it is full of hebraisms and Hebrew expressions. It has therefore been aptly said that the Hebrews drink from the spring, the Greeks from the stream that flows from it, and the Latins from a downstream pool.” (Martin Luther)

Over in America, the hidden land reserved for the bringing forth of truth, others too were seeking to better understand God and his truths.

“...ministers throughout New England and on the frontier studied Hebrew to inform their reading of the Bible and to prepare themselves for missions to convert Jews to Christianity. It was in this setting of renewed Hebrew enthusiasm that Joseph Smith and the early Latter-day Saints developed their own fascination with Hebrew and found themselves in a region where the resources necessary to learn it were becoming increasingly available at a popular level. 

Even Yale was founded with a Hebrew motto and originally created Hebrew as a mandatory course.

"There is perhaps no more central symbol of the university’s early devotion to Hebrew learning than its official seal, at the heart of which are the words Hebrew words "Urim" and "Thummin." With the Latin terms "Lux et Veritas" —light and truth— Hebrew is given equal prominence on the University’s logo.

Joseph Smith, too, sought light and truth. Following the Bible’s injunction, he set out to ask God to show him truth. He wanted to know the Original Church, pure and in it’s fullness.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

 

As he progressed in his journey of truth he had a hunger and thirst for truth. He sought out learning in all true, good and beautiful sources. He even wrote a tenant of believe (article of faith 13 to summarize this ideal): “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

 

This is what he had to say about learning: “Seek out of the best books,” “become acquainted . . . with languages, tongues, and people,” and “obtain a knowledge of history.” This new emphasis on academic learning was meant to prepare the lay ministers of the Church “to magnify their calling,” “receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom,” and “set in order all the affairs of this church.” “All this,” the revelations stated, would be “for the salvation of Zion.”

 

He started the School of the Prophets so he could learn in a community. Part of their learning included a course in Hebrew.

 

“Joseph Smith viewed ancient languages as a primary resource for accessing and communing with the sacred past. Joseph seemed to believe, along with many of his contemporaries, that biblical, classical, and other languages possessed keys for unlocking the earliest divine truths revealed to humanity. As such, his work with languages...was a significant source of inspiration in his efforts to revive the “Ancient order of things.” - (“Word of the Lord in the Original” source)

 

...Joseph and his associates were quite unique in their motivations to learn Hebrew and their subsequent use of it.

 

Joseph found an increase of light and truth, the more he learned, especially with gaining a greater understanding of Hebrew. He said, “reading in our hebrew bibles . . . it seems as if the Lord opens our minds, in a marvelous manner to understand his word in the original language, and my prayer is that God will speedily inbue us with a knowledge of all languages and tongues, that his servants may go forth for this last time, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony.”

 

Being a truth seeker can bring about a pattern of learning that opens opportunities for greater Personal Revelation 

Now, seeking truth starts with identifying original sources and recognizing patterns of deviations from them--from truth. We study the Constitution and Declaration because of the original principles outlined therein. And as we learn about the founders and the miracles in establishing America as a free land we can better see God’s hand in it’s founding.

Seeking true principles and original sources gives us eyes to see. As alma encouraged, “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith…”

As we utilize the original tools God gave us (bodies: eyes, ears, mouth, nose, taste; heart, mind and spirit) and seek to understand how all things can denote there is a God. We can truly learn to see Christ in all things. We can come closer to him. He can help us become and better fulfill our divine missions and defenders of truths that protect our knowledge of the eternal and our freedoms that allow for the pursuit of that.

 God wants a restoration of all things. And in order to do that, we must be truth-seekers. We must study original sources. Learning how to see God’s truths and principles in nature, scriptures, from the words of the prophets--in all things--is a process. It takes time and unfolding, much like Joseph’s mission. And it requires effort and a pure heart. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

Let us seek God. His truths. And through that seeking become better disciples, scholars, and patriots, recognizing that God is in control and will bestow upon us truths we need, when needed, as we are open. As stated in Isaiah 55: 8-9

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

For he has proimised that we “shall afind bwisdom and great ctreasures of dknowledge, even hidden treasures; D&C 89”

------------SOURCES--------------------

        1. Article, “5 Languages that could change the way you see the world” http://nautil.us/blog/5-languages-that-could-change-the-way-you-see-the-world

        2. “The Culture of the Hebrew Language,” Jeff Benner

https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/language/culture-of-the-hebrew-language.htm?fbclid=IwAR3nUQA8q1_HE3sqQDYDHY-IwxA9TplYaWmeh3EZjH73Jw1apa-vF8CjTus

3. Hebrew timeline chart, from www.ancient-hebrew.org 

4. Joseph Smith’s Hebrew School, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/topic/hebrew-school

             5. “How Hebrew Came to Yale,” article                 

            https://web.library.yale.edu/cataloging/hebraica/hebrew-at-yale?fbclid=IwAR27KJQaeDARyaeIVr3nHEf8MfRes5cpnac3o64u-XCEindm3TJt0OA-40

            6. “The Word of the Lord in the Original”: Joseph Smith’s Study of Hebrew in Kirtland” by         Matthew J. Grey https://rsc.byu.edu/approaching-antiquity-joseph-smith-ancient-world/word-lord-original-joseph-smiths-study-hebrew

7. “The Story of How Hebrew Almost Became the Official U.S. Language,” article https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-story-of-how-hebrew-almost-became-the-official-u-s-language/?fbclid=IwAR3OELDc8gvCYMUkjy3-GWrprP4BAQTB8tJebn3BNeBGim6mlVbSsOX2jj8. Ben Franklin’s Great Seal design, https://greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/reverse.html

-------FURTHER EXPLORATION AND RESOURCSES

Article- “History of the Hebrew language”

https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/History/history.html

Video- “Evidence of Native Americans with Hebrew Ancestry”

https://youtu.be/1vcem3miWvY

Videos/website- www.ancient-hebrew.org

Intro to Ancient Hebrew Series- Intro to Ancient Hebrew

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SytNaMfQv7M

The Connection Between Language and Culture

https://youtu.be/mgq3IwqST3U

Picture- Jewish Festival/Calendar

https://www.calendaryearlyprintable.com/jewish-calendar-1752.html

Explore the ancient Hebrew alphabet through this Ancient/Semetic Hebrew Introduction Book

ttps://houseofthebook.org/fbgs-early-semitic-pictograph-book

Website- www.houseofthebook.org

This website is to help people learn more about ancient hebrew. There is a program to help mothers learn it at home with their children in fun, simple ways. And you can also join the Facebook community.

https://www.facebook.com/foundationbuilderguide

Hebrew Origins & Original Learning: Intro- Attention Activity

 Here is a lesson plan I wrote out for those interested in really delving into original patterns of learning and the origins of ancient Hebrew

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Begin by singing: “For the Beauty of the Earth” (hymn # 92) or “How Great Thou Art” (hymn #86)

Ponder: Look at a picture of "Adam and Even the Garden"

Why did God place Adam and Eve in a garden? What learning opportunities were available to them in nature? Could nature teach them symbolically?

Experience: Take your family for a walk out in nature--what do you notice? 

Use your senses: ears, eyes, nose, taste, feel.

Now feel with your heart. Open your mind and heart to revelation. Let your curious nature guide you to ask questions and explore more. What else can God be trying to teach you? Do you see patterns in nature that remind you of God’s nature and His principles?

Go Deeper: How could learning from nature connect with everyday learning--say the development of an alphabet? Is it possible that each letter of the alphabet could even have something to teach us? Let’s explore that thought...take a look at this photo:

What do you notice?
Where did the letter "A" come from?
Can you see how time literally turned it around?

Optional Further Exploration: You can watch this video to get a better perspective into origins of Hebrew language as the original source of the English language, or use the resources section ideas/links. "The Hebrew Origin of the English Alphabet" by Jeff Benner, www.ancient-hebrew.org

Continue learning more with part 2 of this lesson

Why Learn Hebrew? Thus saith Luther & Joseph

Why Hebrew?

Martin Luther’s Thoughts...

“The Hebrew language is the best language of all, with the richest vocabulary . . . . If I were younger I would want to learn this language, because no one can really understand the Scriptures without it. For although the New Testament is written in Greek, it is full of hebraisms and Hebrew expressions. It has therefore been aptly said that the Hebrews drink from the spring, the Greeks from the stream that flows from it, and the Latins from a downstream pool.” (Martin Luther, Tischreden)

The Reformation reminds us why. “Ad fontes!”—To the fountains, or sources!—was their battle cry for a reason. 

“The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained; they are the casket in which this jewel is enshrined; they are the vessel in which this wine is held; they are the larder in which this food is stored; and, as the gospel itself points out, they are the baskets in which are kept these loaves and fishes and fragments. If through our neglect we let the languages go (which God forbid!), we shall…lose the gospel...” (Martin Luther, emphasis added, 120)

So here are Five Reasons...

1) History Reminds Us

“Experience too has proved this and still gives evidence of it. For as soon as the languages declined to the vanishing point, after the apostolic age, the gospel and faith and Christianity itself declined more and more…On the other hand, now that the languages have been revived, they are bringing with them so bright a light and accomplishing such great things that the whole world stands amazed and has to acknowledge that we have the gospel...far beyond what it was in the days of St. Jerome and St. Augustine… “(120)

2) The Fathers Remind us

“Yes, you say, but many of the fathers were saved and even became teachers without the languages. That is true. But how do you account for the fact that they so often erred in the Scriptures?…Even St. Augustine himself is obliged to confess…that a Christian teacher who is to expound the Scriptures must know Greek and Hebrew in addition to Latin. Otherwise, it is impossible to avoid constant stumbling; indeed, there are plenty of problems to work out even when one is well versed in the languages”. (120)

3) Vocational Excellence Reminds Us 

There is a vast difference therefore between a simple preacher of the faith and a person who expounds Scripture, or, as St. Paul puts it, a prophet. A simple preacher (it is true) has so many clear passages and texts available through translations that he can know and teach Christ, lead a holy life, and preach to others. But when it comes to interpreting Scripture, and working with it on your own, and disputing with those who cite it incorrectly, he is unequal to the task; that cannot be done without languages. Now there must always be such prophets in the Christian church who can dig into Scripture, expound it, and carry on disputations. A saintly life and right doctrine are not enough. Hence languages are absolutely and altogether necessary in the Christian church, as are the prophets or interpreters; although it is not necessary that every Christian or every preacher be such a prophet, as St. Paul points out in I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4”… (120-121)

4) Common Grace Reminds us...

“Since it becomes Christians then to make good use of the Holy Scriptures as their one and only book and it is a sin and a shame not to know our own book or to understand the speech and words of our God, it is a still greater sin and loss that we do not study languages, especially in these days when God is offering and giving us men and books and every facility and inducement to this study, and desires his Bible to be an open book. O how happy the dear fathers would have been if they had had our opportunity to study the languages and come thus prepared to the Holy Scriptures! What great toil and effort it cost them to gather up a few crumbs, while we with half the labor—yes, almost without any labor at all—can acquire the whole loaf! O how their effort puts our indolence to shame! Yes, how sternly God will judge our lethargy and ingratitude!” (121)

Are we grateful for the Masoretic Text; for Codex Vadicanus, Codex Alexandrinus, and Codex Sinaiticus; for the Dead Sea Scrolls?

5) Preaching Reminds is...

“Here belongs also what St. Paul calls for in I Corinthians 14, namely, that in the Christian church all teachings must be judged. For this a knowledge of the language is needful above all else. The preacher or teacher can expound the Bible from beginning to end as he pleases, accurately or inaccurately, if there is no one there to judge whether he is doing it right or wrong. But in order to judge, one must have a knowledge of the languages; it cannot be done in any other way. Therefore, although faith and the gospel may indeed be proclaimed by simple preachers without a knowledge of languages, such preaching is flat and tame; people finally become weary and bored with it, and it falls to the ground. But where the preacher is versed in the languages, there is a freshness and vigor in his preaching, Scripture is treated in its entirety, and faith finds itself constantly renewed by a continual variety of words and illustrations. Hence, Psalm 129 likens such scriptural studies to a hunt, saying to the deer God opens the dense forests; and Psalm 1 likens them to a tree with a plentiful supply of water, whose leaves are always green” (121)

—-

Joseph Smith’s Thoughts...

“reading in our hebrew bibles . . . it seems as if the Lord opens our minds, in a marvelous manner to understand his word in the original language, and my prayer is that God will speedily indue us with a knowledge of all languages and toungs, that his servants may go forth for this last time, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony.”

“the use of the Hebrew school stated that the study of Hebrew would “serve to facilitate the acquisition of a perfect knowledge of one of the best of books—the Scriptures—the introduction of which has served to dispel darkness, and disperse light into every clime.”

“seek out of the best books,” 

“become acquainted . . . with languages, tongues, and people,” and “obtain a knowledge of history.” This new emphasis on academic learning was meant to prepare the lay ministers of the Church “to magnify their calling,” “receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom,” and “set in order all the affairs of this church.” “All this,” the revelations stated, would be “for the salvation of Zion.”

Joseph declared: “I am determined to persue the study of languages untill I shall become master of them, if I am permitted to live long enough, at any rate so long as I do live I am determined to make this my object, and with the blessing of God I shall succe[e]d to my sattisfaction.”

Joseph also went beyond his contemporaries by drawing out deeper (and he felt more pristine) meanings from Hebrew phraseology 

Book Notes: Tramp for the Lord-Corrie TenBoom

100- Tramp for the Lord
Corrie Ten Boome

The life of a Christian is an education for higher service.

Faith is like radar which sees through the fog--the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me,
I do not count the colors, he worketh steadily
Oftimes he weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride forget He sees the upper and i the underside.
Not took the look is silent and shuttles cease to fly will God until the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weavers hand, as the threads of God and silver in the pattern he had planned.

(Purpose of book: "pray the Holy Spirit will reveal something of the divine pattern in God's plan for you also.")

Singing was one of the ways we kept up our courage.

When you come near death God's presence is even more real. It is here that Jesus comes closest taking our hand and leading us through.

For more than a year I had not been allowed to make a decision. All I could do was follow orders. It was difficult even to think.

I was starved for color.

Only to those who have been in prison does freedom have such great meaning.
I knew my life had been given back for a purpose. I was no longer my own.
The material things of this world no longer excited me --nor would they ever again.

We grew up knowing only a God who enjoyed our presence as we skipped and ran and played through his church built for his glory.

I soon discovered that man's importunity is God's opportunity. He uses our problems as building materials for his miracles. This was the first step in my path towards trusting him.

(As waited in line for approval of papers) "lord I am willing To go or stay. It is up to you."
It is not our task to give God instructions. We are simply to report for duty .

"Corrie, there is so much bitterness. We must tell them that the holy spirit will fill their hearts with love." -betsie (sister)
Only God could see in such circumstances the possibility for ministry in the future. (On going back to Germany to help)

Gods guidance is even more important than common sense.

Psalms 47:11
The lord taketh pleasure...in those that hope in his mercy.

"God does not fill with the holy spirit those who believe in the files of the spirit, or those who desire him, but those who obey him." -FB Meyer

...sometimes it helps just to have someone willing to listen

That which is in your heart can never be taken from you.

The only way to get rid of [bitterness] is to surrender it. If we forgive others then our hearts are made fit to receive forgiveness.
(God can use even a leeks man if he is surrendered.)
Love even when you don't want to. The secret of victory is obedience. Obedience is easy when you know you are being guided by a God who never makes mistakes. Obedience never says "yes, but..." Rather it always says "yes, Lord!"

Throw your sins into the deep sea. "No fishing allowed."

Forgiveness is not an emotion. It is an act of will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the Heart. ("Jesus help. I can supply the hand. You supply the feeling.")

For ten years after my release from prison I had been traveling all over the world at the direction of God. Many times I did not know why I was to go to a certain place until I arrived. it had become almost second nature not to make my plans and then ask for God's signature.rather, I had learned to wait for goods plan and then write my name on the schedule.

When one is abiding under the shadow of the almighty there will be no light, but that is only because God’s presence is so near. ("I eagerly await whatever you have planned for me.")

After this experience (repenting and having hip healed) I was filled with the holy spirit. Now, going in the power of the holy spirit to Germany God was able to work much deliverance through me as we commanded demons to be cast out in his name.

Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing and exhausting and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the holy spirit. Then the ministry of Jesus flows out of you.
Now, whether I am walking in the bright light of his presence or abiding under the shadow of the almighty, I know that he is not only with me, he is in me.

We worked as a team (not to say that we didn't have difficulties --as always happens when people work close together). However, those hard moments were used to bring us closer to Jesus as we learned to walk in the light with each other.

Recognize that we are surrounded not only by angels but also by the powers of darkness. Our fight is not against a physical any, political party, an atheistic organization --or anything like that. Or fight is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. Therefore we must wear the whole armor of God.

Betsie: "let us dedicate this involuntary fast to the lord that it may become a blessing."

I would much rather be the child of a trusting father, than a beggar at the door of worldly men.

I knew I was not right with God for I was not right with man.

Life is like an embroidery. It seems knotted and tangled, but we are looking at the back side. Good has a beautiful crown waiting for us on the other side. And he can show us glimpses...

The Bible is like chocolate, not to be analyzed and picked apart...but to be eaten /enjoyed.

"Daddy, I am afraid that I will never have strength to be a martyr."
"Today you don't need the strength to be a martyr ; but as soon as you are called for the honor of facing death for Jesus, he will supply the strength you need --just in time."

I had learned that it was not me but the word of God coming through me that won people to Christ.

You are not called to convince anyone. You are simply called to be an open channel for the spirit of God to flow through. Follow the path of obedience, let the word of God do is own work, and you will be used by God far beyond your own powers.

It is the word of God that is their foundation and therefore it is essential for the convert of Christ to have a practical knowledge of the Bible.

Happiness is not dependent on the happenings but rather on the relationships in the happenings.

Theology in the hands of the holy spirit is a beautiful science. But in the hands of unbelievers it is death. If you want to find where heaven is, get out of your study classroom and go back out into the countryside.

The incident made me upset because I hadn't surrendered my self-righteousness. Self pity is a nasty sin and the devil uses it...and it always starts with "poor me...."