Hebrew Word Study: A Hebrew Teacher's Search for the Heart of God Paperback – May 8, 2012

As a Jewish believer in Christ, i wanted a book to inspire me to embrace the Hebrew of the Old Testament, but, I got so much more from this brilliant and loving disciple of our Lord.The essential words he uses to embrace the studies, are by themselves rich in meaning and have opened a door of learning for me, that has surpassed the knowledge of the words, themselves, if that makes sense.He's introduced me to the treasures hidden in the words, without it being just a dialectic lesson. He's let me accompany him on a quest to see God's face, as he is searching for his image.I related to every word he's written, and felt it was speaking to me, no, I felt it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me, through the experiences he's written in his own quest. I smiled at a particular passage, where he confesses his almost resentful jealousy of those who claim they've been visited by the Lord, or have seen him and who've been blessed by these kind of transcendent revelations. Oh my goodness, can I relate.For those of us who put so much into study, prayer, good works, and whose sole desire is to see and know the Lord, it is somehow disheartening when these other casual believers, have spectacular revelations... LOL. So, it made me feel good that instead of dropping the quest to see God's face, or being resentful for being left out, he is even more determined to forge ahead.That's what it's all about, and sometimes, as much as we adore him, and want God above and beyond anything the world has to offer, reading the same Scriptures, can start to be wearisome. Having a new direction, with the language that the Lord spoke to the Hebrews, is rewarding, but, it is also difficult.I so encourage any Christian who feels led, to start to learn Hebrew and while you're at it, download this treasure, to inspire and keep the light burning in the far distance when it feels like a long dark path, because as much as we love Jesus, the world and our own burdens start to erode the same thrill we had when we first were rescued by God, and carried on his shoulders, like the lost sheep we were..This is a great start to rekindle that first love, at least it was for me, and I thank Chaim for writing it all down. That's my dad's name, too, and it means life.. Actually, his last name means, '' Son of the Torah,'' or the LAW, and it is like it sounds like, the name of a prophet of God, a real Chaciyd and mensch.

The author's explanations of the meaning of certain Hebrew words that describe various aspects of ancient Israel way of life in relationship to praise, worship and devotion to the God of Israel, as illustrated in their prayers, psalms and songs are quite interesting, especially how he links them to what he calls the heart of God. However, his use of Rabbinic literature in his commentary on Heman , in Day 3, is erroneous and misleading, however noble his intentions.In 1 Chronicles 23, when David made Solomon king over Israel, he placed the sons of Levi in order including the 24 division of the priesthood, those who will serve by course and others who were to perform various functions, such as assisting with sacrifices, playing instruments, which he made, in the temple that was to be built by Solomon. In chapter 25, the 14 sons of Heman along with the sons of Asaph and Jeduthun were separated to the service to prophesy with harps, psalteries and cymbals. Verse 5 pointed out that Heman was David's seer in the words of God. His chief instrument as a seer was a horn. You may note that in 1Kings 4:32 he was not referred to as an Ezrahite, whereas Ethan was mentioned as such. However, in Psalm 88, Heman is said to be a descendant of the Ezrahites. In 1Chronicles 15 he and Asaph and Ethan as singers, were appointed to sound cymbals of brass. Other parts of 1Chronicles indicate that they are brothers or closely related.Emphatically, then, Heman in 1 Kings 4, 1 Chronicles 25 and Psalm 88 is the same individual and therefore could not have been a poverty stricken leper and a beggar as the author portrayed. The fact that he had 14 sons demonstrated that he likely to have had more than one wives and was loved by women. He was surely a gifted musician who played a shofar, but he also functioned as one of King David' s seers, which is indicative of his great wisdom. Even at the time of Solomon' s coronation as King over all Israel he was with David and could not have been a leper either.The evidence in the Bible, as far as I am concern, is correct and cannot be refuted by neither the Talmud, Mishnah, or other Rabbinic literature, regardless of scholarship. Although an individual can learn various aspects of Jewish life, laws, traditions and culture, except the various sections of these writings that agree with the Bible or do not contradict the Word of God, it can all be summarized as the wisdom of men. They do not reflect the heart of God.The author was keen to point out that prophet Heman's prayers were unanswered all his life; an indictment against God's faithfulness. 1Chronicles 25:5 stated that God gave him 14 sons and 3 daughters.This is sometimes the result of what happens when we are unable to accept parts of the word of God that seems so esoteric to us, especially when there is an abrupt ends. One must remember that the psalmist Heman have had numerous experiences with God, as a seer, musician and singer. Therefore one of his psalms is not indicative of the volume of his revelations of God and should be seen as such. However a careful reading of Psalm 88 goes far beyond Heman's life experiences of which I cannot discuss in this review.The readers of this book will still benefit from learning the various Hebrew words for praise and worship, however caution must be exercised when reading other aspects of this book.Stanley

It's a hunger that won't go away, won't be satisfied by second-hand revelation; someone else's ideas, interpretations or translations of what the word of God "really" says. It is a longing from deep inside to know not only what is written on the page, but what was the INTENT of the One Who inspired these words? What was (is) His heart to heart, face to face communication...One to one? It is personal. I am seeking His Heart. Desperate to know Him. To be known by Him. Not content with what someone else can teach me ABOUT Him...show me the way that I can KNOW Him better...hear Him more distinctly...see Him with more clarity. I am a worshiper. And this book, from the heart of one who is on the same journey, is a literal answer to prayer!I found this devotional by Divine Appointment; I wasn't aware of its existence; it wasn't recommended or among the writings of authors with whom I am familiar. It was, for me, a "hidden treasure"; one of those rare pearls that one finds and holds close to their heart. Finally...a book which takes us to the roots...to the beginning. The author's many years of study and then teaching the Hebrew language lays a rich foundation for the reader, and the keys in each day's writing open up door after door of new understanding. Taking letter by letter, he illustrates with word-pictures. The shape of the letter, the form of the letter, the context of the letter all come together to give the reader a much deeper understanding of the passage, and shares a glimpse of the heart of God from a different perspective. A much needed resource for anyone wanting to make their walk through the Bible with God truly personal. This will whet your appetite!

A really good read. Reveals the true heart of God. Much of the translation from Hebrew to English appears to be missed and so the richness of what God wants to reveal to us. Chaim addresses this through his books. Great book for those who know there is something more to what we usually hear and read.

This book has been an.inspiration. The hebrew language is so rich and deep, and this book takes you into a greater understanding of the scriptures. I would recommend this book to any one who is interested in Hebrew and has a desire to know more of the heart of God. Wish there was more of it.

This was excellent reading, will go on to read other books by him.

It was great and it was sent very fast to me. Thank you and SHALOM.

A good book that leads you towards the heart of God. As with a number of kindle books purchased, what is a pity is that there is no index.