When I was in my undergrad program, well, let me go all the way back to my early days. I knew at some point I was going to go to a Bible College and take "Bible" courses. I did. My first undergrad school in the United States was Pillsbury Baptist Bible College (now closed). It was a beautiful place, built somewhere in the 1950s, if I am right. I had wonderful memories of growing in the Lord. I would not forget the help I received from the Lord to endure the four years of college there. And I would not forget the help I received from Dr. Robert Crane, who was then the President of that college. He personally took me around on Sundays to help raise my school bill. He and his wife were wonderful people. Others also helped me through that journey. So, I am thankful to all of them.
However, yes, however. I never thought I would take Math, Science, and other classes that I cannot stand 🙂 I mean, why would a "Bible" college have these courses? But, anyway, that phase of life was gone. I moved on to North Carolina to complete my undergraduate degree since Pillsbury was closed by December 2008. I had to complete the last semester in a different school. So, the Lord led me to NC. There I went to Piedmont International University (Now Carolina University). I completed my undergrad. Then I thought I would go home (India). But, Dr. Hoyle Bowman, another professor that I would not forget, suggested (prayed for me), that I would get into Master's program. I did. I never thought that it would be so difficult. Yes, the professors were loving. While I was in undergrad, I did "ok" in Greek, but over time, I did well. Then I got into a Master's. That's where my view on education and biblical studies changed. I was still doing Greek, then I got into Advanced Greek. While I was in this phase of learning, I had the opportunity to take a Hebrew course.
At first I thought, NO-WAY. One language is enough. I was worried that it would just about kill me if I learn two languages at the same time, AND someone told me that I would not be able to handle Hebrew. Now, this challenged my stubborn heart and head. I thought to myself - why won't I be able to do it? What stops me? (Maybe there was some arrogance in it, too.) I did pray about it, then I spoke with my chair, Dr. Braithwaite, and took the challenge. For two years, I have studied the Hebrew language under Dr. Braithwaite's teaching. I was in Hebrew 1, 2, 3 (Advanced Hebrew).
How did I feel about it during my first class? The entire world seemed upside down. Really. I was able to keep track of Greek; I had no issues since some letters correspond with English. However, Hebrew? The Lord knows how I felt about it. It confused my mind. But, little by little, I saw the beauty of that language. It took me, I thought, ages to learn the alphabet and how to write the letters. But, once I passed the alphabet (א, ב, ג - Alef, Bet, Gimmel, and other letters), I thought - oh... it is not that difficult! Then my professor taught me words; how to study them, how to memorize them. Slowly, we were forming words and reading small phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs.
Guess what? It wasn't that difficult with practice! So, I did not give up on it. I continued to learn. At the end of the program, my professor taught us how to read the book of Ruth (Narrative). It was not that difficult! We even translated the whole thing. It was fun. However, we have to keep at it regularly.
Just as I took the challenge, I want YOU to take the challenge too. I know it might seem daunting. But, fear not, sayeth the LORD. It was He who spoke in this language with His people. With His help, it is possible to learn. And with His help, you can learn.
It is vital to learn biblical languages because God spoke in those languages. I encourage you to take the challenge of learning the language, so that you may learn the intricacies of Biblical Hebrew, apply what you learn to your life (the truths from the Scripture), and teach others as accurately as possible.
What do you say? Are you ready?