Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford's system for studying biblical Hebrew encourages and engages students who may struggle with the unfamiliar aspects of the ancient language. "Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Textbook," presents the basics of biblical Hebrew in a user-friendly format, resembling a workbook rather than a traditional grammar book. It features large print and ample space for students to make their own notes. The vocabulary list in each chapter directly relates to the assigned exercises, which focus on translation and gradually build on previous knowledge.
In the revised edition, the book includes a subject index. Additional exercises in the form of guided reading through the Hebrew Bible are also available online. The author emphasizes that this textbook is not meant to be a comprehensive grammar but rather a tool for acquiring the essentials of biblical Hebrew, focusing on the norms rather than the exceptions and promoting the development of skills and the use of resources rather than memorization.
By the end of the course, students possess the necessary tools to navigate most complexities of the biblical text. They will have a solid understanding of Hebrew phonology, morphology, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and syntax. For more challenging constructions, students can consult lexicons, analytical lexicons, and commentaries. The ultimate goal is to equip students to consult and analyze the Hebrew text confidently in their preaching, teaching, and further study of the Hebrew Bible.
