5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know

 

Lois pulled me in by stating she's into artisanal Bible study.

So am I! She compares the common, quick, microwave-style pre-packaged devotional with an aromatic, spicy, savory meal- feasting on the Word instead of a vending machine style portion. She asks us to imagine a bag of bagel chips from the store compared to fresh, hot, chewy pita bread made by a bedouin over a fire. That's the difference in our translated word- still nourishing and good of course, but with a Hebrew context: oh-so-delicious!

 

She's right. I have since studied (as I have time- and it's not much) the Bible differently. I have a Strong's Bible app on my iPhone and iPad, a Hebrew Greek Study Bible, and I have read Lois' books as well as others on middle eastern culture and Bible times. Things like that, and they make a difference in how I understand the scriptures, which is Lois' point and ministry- helping us to get so much more out of our time in the Word.

Miss Tverberg explains the basic difference in Hebrew language vs. our English and why knowing the meanings of some key Hebrew words can make such a difference in broadening our understanding. Bringing some clarity to passages that don't quite translate clearly in our language and culture.

 

This ebook is a unique online study with live links to Gateway Bible so you can see 3 different hand picked English translations side-by-side to help you see what the Hebrew is trying to transmit to our greek thinking brains. She also has other links for further reading on topics. I enjoyed this study so much! I spent my whole Saturday doing it on my iPad but I also had printed out a copy because I really like to mark up and journal all over my studies. She's right though, the access and use of the links makes a big difference.

 

There are 5 fairly short studies. Words that you will learn and likely never forget. I'm pretty excited for her new book to come out, because I'm hungry to study more, and she makes it so easy and interesting. The insight I gain into my beloved Bible is enriching to my faith. I believe you would love this ebook too. It really is bite sized and I'm sure it will whet your appetite for tastier study as it did mine, if you're at all a Bible study lover like me. If you aren't yet, let this be your introduction to a rich and wonderful journey into the context and culture of the Bible's native language. Hebrew is a simple, yet beautiful language full of shades and layers of meanings. When my little people are more independent I plan on getting back to my Hebrew studies. This fall as part of my 15 year old son's homeschool studies I will incorporate Lois' books, including this one, into our Hebrew language course.

 

If you enjoy this book as much as me, I'd be glad to hear about it.

 

 

 

This ebook is only available on Lois Tverberg's site

Our Rabbi Jesus

You can also get a sample of the book here

 

  I have read this blog for a couple of years, always enjoying her articles. They shed light on biblical passages, culture, and always make me think.

 

Lois captured my interest with her approach to Bible study years ago with a small devotional type book Listening to The Language of the Bible. I have been interested in Hebrew word studies and culture since. Her other two books are both on my nightstand as well, and I highly recommend them: Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, and Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. I have both in book and kindle form.

 

For Such a Time

 

Author's site

For Such A Time by Kate Breslin (Bethany House Publishers)

 

 I could hardly believe this was the author's debut novel. Really. It is well written and the story was stunning. After I read the last page I had to check again to make sure it was really fiction...and then I was disappointed that the ending wasn't real!

I was delighted to see the author is local, from a town I used to live and where my biological babies were all born.

 I read quite a bit of World War II novels because I can hardly believe such horrible things really took place. The victims of the holocaust haunt me. I feel like their stories are worth telling and reading about because those people deserve to be memorialized.

The evil that thought it all up and carried it out perplexes me. As always, God has His heroes and heroines- every good story has at least one, and His stories are always good ones in the end. This book was chock full of wicked characters and had it's share of heroes, but the real story is the heroine. Stella is an Esther. For Such a Time is a wonderfully woven modern day Esther story. If you're familiar with the book of Esther you will recognize all the main characters. Obviously there are twists and turns to keep it fresh and unpredictable.

The setting is 1944, a transit camp in Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia. The conditions are deplorable and disgusting. The spirits of the people however broken and hungry, however, are still strong.

 

A romance between two most unlikely people. A theme of destruction vs. salvation. Again, I really found myself wishing it weren't fiction. The stories of concentration camps and the ovens are awful, as we know, and so many times the reality was that nobody escaped, so it's wonderful to read about someone surviving those dark days. I believe strongly that those days should be talked about, read about, and that we should never forget what happened.

 

The bottom line on this book was that it was a real page turner. The kind that makes you decide to stay in, reading at all hours. I was cheering and crying and lost myself in this story. That's the good kind.

 

*A copy of this title was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased written review.

 

Here's what the author says about this book on her site:

 

 Since I’m passionate for history, and writing love stories about wounded, complex heroes and the smart heroines who rescue them, this particular tale is close to my heart, and one I’ve waited years to share. It’s about a romance between two of the most unlikely people on the planet; a story of incredible courage, redemption, and faith. It takes place during WWII, and contains enough twists and turns to appeal to action and romance fans alike, and those who enjoy a good historical adventure. It’s inspiring, too, showing the countless ways that God works in their lives. I simply cannot wait to share For Such A Time with you!