ARAMAIC WORD STUDY – JOYFUL MESSAGE – TSEVA צבא Sade Beth Aleph
Matthew 16:24: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
Do you ever feel like you wasted your life? I suppose we all do at some time or another. I usually feel this way around the time of Founder’s Week at Moody Bible Institute where I graduated. Founder’s Week is a time for alumni to gather together for a week of spiritual fellowship and uplift. I never attended. I am too ashamed to meet my former and successful classmates and have to face these now church leaders, founders of great Christian organizations and ministries, senior pastors of large and successful ministries or directors of mission boards and when asked what I do I have to say I drive a disability bus. I can almost feel the pat on the back from my former classmates now successful and distinguished leaders in ministry, education and Christian service as they say; “Why that’s alright Chaim, we knew you were never going to amount to anything, we knew you would never have any type of ministry or even a ministry at all. We figured you for someone who would end up driving a bus unable to afford retirement. But that’s alright God uses people like you too.”
Forty five years I have studied the Word of God a minimum of three to four hours a day in the original languages. It seemed like every attempt I made throughout my life to start a ministry usually ended up in failure. I would pray and fast for my little ministry only to watch it go down in flames. I worked so hard for Jesus, sacrificing so much in my life. I felt God should reward me with at least a small church to preach from every week. All I asked for was just maybe twenty people, enough to afford a church building and reasonable salary – never happened. He could at least allow me to have a full time ministry so I did not have to work a full time job. Never happened. Even when I taught in a Bible College I needed to work a secular job just to make ends meet and now at the age of 70 with a BA, MA, PhD I still have to work a full time low level job driving a disability bus just to make ends meet and finance yet another noble attempt at a ministry that refuses to grow.
As I sit back and consider how many of my classmates from the Bible College and Seminary days have gone on to distinguished careers in ministry, gaining great fame in ministry, writing one book that outsells all the books I have written. I hear them on the radio or You Tube or a podcast preaching sermons that show no real depth of study in God’s Words yet people will comment and just rave how wonderful these teachers are as I live in fear that I may one day meet one of these former classmate and be ashamed as I give an accounting of my life.
Would you like Chaim Bentorah as your personal Hebrew teacher?
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This morning as I was feeling sorry for myself, facing winter’s harsh subzero weather and knowing I had to go out in it to drive my disability bus so I could pay my bills and support this ministry when others my age are enjoying retirement and could stay inside in a warm house if they so choose, God took me Matthew 16:24. “Ok, Ok, Lord I know this pick up my cross business, I know I have to deny myself etc., etc. etc., I think I have done a pretty good job of that over the last 70 years.” But then God nudged me to look closely at the words “if any man will come after me.” Some translations say “wants to come after me.” Yep, that is me in a nutshell, all my life I have been trying to come after God or follow after God and look where it got me. I can hear your thoughts: “Oh, but don’t you see, that is your problem you are trying to do it rather than let God do it.” Well, I’ve sat back from many years waiting for God to do it, that doesn’t work either. I can hear others thinking: “But maybe your plans are not God’s plans.” I hate to admit it, but you are right.
Being adequately chastised I felt prompted to study one word in the Aramaic, from this verse. It is the word for want which is tseva in Aramaic
I searched this word out in the Midrash Rabbah which is written in Aramaic and found tseva is used for performing a service of bringing a message of hope and joy. Without modern communications in ancient times messages were relayed by human messengers and they often passed through great hardships to deliver a message. Yet, they fought hard for this position and service in hopes of being chosen to deliver a message of hope and joy. For it was worth all the trials and difficulties just to see the joy that message brought. This was really a coveted occupation to be a messenger and only the most honored messengers were chosen to deliver the good news (Good News).
In more modern times at the turn of the 20th Century you had Western Union who delivered important and urgent messages. I read where Western Union delivery services paid very little to a messenger who depended upon tips to make an adequate wage. These messengers had ways to find out if the message they were to deliver was good news or bad news. If it was good news they would encourage the receiver to read the message before receiving tip as the tip would often be larger if it was good news. If it was good news the messenger would often hang around for a moment or two just to savor the joy of having brought the good news.
In Roman times the condemned were expected to carry the cross they were to die upon. It was a burdensome, humiliating and disgraceful task facing mockery and shame from the crowds. Yet, it is the cross itself that carries the Good News. To carry the cross is doing just what is required of us in the Scriptures, letting it produce whatever shame, disgrace or pain it may bring just for a tseva a joy in being able to deliver Good News.
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Thanks & Blessings, it means a lot to me!
Boy did this minister to me today. As a retired artist I now paint for the Lord and most times He is the only one that sees. He is my Partner in creation. And I offer wonder if it truly has value if it’s just the two of us. But after your word I am greatly encouraged that what I do has purpose. It brings Him joy. What could be a better assignment? Thank you!!
To serve those who cannot repay is exactly what Jesus did. You may be “sitting” at the lowest seat at the table here on earth, but you will be asked to move on up in glory. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. I see, and know of, too many mega church leaders that are receiving their reward here. When I feel insignificant, or that life isn’t “fair,” God graciously reminds me that there is a bigger picture, and a reward that is eternal. Be encouraged. God is using you in ways you may never know while on earth.
Ah Chaim, you are letting spirits that aren’t from God steal your joy. Don’t do it! Send them away. I guess i don’t understand it; I’ve never been jealous or envious of ANYONE. I don’t know why. I know that they are them, and I am me. That’s just the way it is.
I can’t change the fact of that.
Don’t put people on pedestals, they might get swell head disease. It won’t.help you either.
We have NO IDEA what the life of anyone is like. All we can do is live our life daily as it co!as up.
Ken
I understand and I appreciate your concern, but trust me, you’ve got Chaim wrong. Remember Chaim has as Aspergers and the daily Word studies are basically his dairy…his personal study and time with God.I think most people share with some degree of filter, but Chaim does not. Don’t take what he says about himself too seriously. For instance, I promise you that Chaim might sound like he puts people on a pedestal but he definitely does not.
Laura
My dear friend, – you are such a blessing to so many people! What is this – if not a wonderful Ministry to so many? You have no idea how much you bless people every day – not only on your disability bus – which is an incredible gift for those you serve….but through your postings every day – that are probably read by many more than you imagine! From whom do we get our value? Who do we place our identity and worth in? Not from our co-workers or from co-students from long ago…..but from the Lord Almighty! He is the one who lifts us up / who call us His Beloved! You are an amazing blessing – don’t ever forget it!
With so much Love & Appreciation for what you do every day!
Fern Powers
Chaim, What a blessing your teachings have been! Instead of reading the bible in 2 dimensions, your unique Hebrew perspective and lessons brings it to life in living color and in 3D. I feel as though you have “turned the light on” to some hidden treasures in God’s Word. I’m sure you’ve touched many, many others lives too. They just might be readers and not vocal in their responses. Be encouraged my brother and friend. You are being used greatly by the King for His divine purposes. Shalom.
Teacher, thank you for enduring the hardships so that you might deliver the Good News to so many, more than perhaps are realized.
The lessons you share are the start of each of my days; my heart is set in a glorious mood each morning after reading your shared thoughts and studies because you make clearer the amazing racham of God.
Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and transparent. It is utterly refreshing and encouraging to find a Biblical teacher of your stature do be open and honest about their personal struggles. What an encouragement to me today! You have an unique ability to “break open” God’s Word that brings a new depth to my life. Thank you.
Chaim, I am in my late 70’s, and one of my younger grandchildren asked me the other day if I hadn’t ever wanted to do something really big in my life. Something to help others in an important way. I had to smile, I know those dreams and wonderings well. Thank you for your reminder from God’s many-faceted Word, of the cross-bearing message of joy and hope!
I use your teaching weekly in a Bible study with over 250 women. I have seen them blossom and grow under YOUR words on racham and so many other revelations. I’ve seen a burning fire in their souls to study the Jewish meaning of things, which they were unaware of until exposed to your teaching. As you lament your ineffectiveness you remind me of the missionary who gave his life to sharing the gospel in Africa and when he retired and headed for home on an ocean liner he saw a huge, warm welcome for some celebrity onboard. He remarked to his wife that there wasn’t one person to welcome him home. She said, “We aren’t “home” yet. Much fruit from our lives won’t be apparent until heaven. You will stand shoulder to shoulder with all of your peers in glory as the result of your ministry is finally seen. Satan is a liar. Stop listening to his discouraging words.
You really got me reading, and rereading, your article.
I feel it applies to most of us if not all. I loved your last sentences as I never thought about carrying the cross as a reward.
This is a good article.
Chiam, I love your heart! God loves your heart most of all! I have been reading your book a “Hebrew Word Study”. I realized how important it is to know the Hebrew meaning of scripture, which gives me a much deeper and profound insight into the heart of God. Thank you so much for sharing your gift!
I wonder if John the Baptist felt the way you feel while he was chewing on those yummy locusts or Jesus while they were spitting in His face?
Probably, but they too had a cross to bear. Dude, compassion isn’t my strong suit (I’m praying about that) but turn your frown upside down. At least that’s what God is always saying to me.
You’ve got your eyes on the wrong thing. You are a child of God! Shoulders back, head up. Put your eyes on the King, not the soldiers. The soldiers are just following orders too.
Quit looking at what you don’t have and look at what you do have. I wish I could have a tenth of your knowledge. To me that would be worth all the silver and gold out there. Do you know how many Christians are starving to death because they don’t have the anointing you have? You have a gift from God. I will be 63 years old this year, and I’ve learned more from you in a very short amount of time than anyone else besides the Holy Spirit. I’m just starting out on my journey with Christ. I love God with a passion that is beyond my capabilities. I am very particular about what I read, but Racham is one that I will be purchasing.
Now stop crying, dry your tears. You have work to do. Yours isn’t glorious boohoo! You are in good company. Jesus’ work/life wasn’t glorious either (except the pretty amazing resurrection). But oh, how life-changing they are. You have changed my life! Get it! I may not be a scholar from any institution, but I am a child of God who wants more of Him and less of me, and your knowledge and strength have changed my heart to see God better, more, I have been enlightened by your ministry!
So get on the bus, keep moving forward. You have work to do. And I can say from all of us who read your devotions, thank you, and we love you!
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Romans 8:15-17 ESV
This is you; this is me! How wonderful it is to be His child!
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord, your God, has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 ESV
Father, I believe and receive your goodness and blessings, including finanances over Chaim, his family and his ministry. Lord, you know what we need before we ever open our mouths. Forgive us when we complain and forget who you are in our lives. We love you, and we know you have everything planned out; we just would like to see it and be assured that we are walking the path you want for our lives. Thank you, Jesus, that even when things seem dark around us, your light always shines through us. Thank you for providing for Chaim, his family, and his ministry. I speak to the devil in Jesus name to stop blocking this ministry from moving forward! You’ve had your fun now run! Thank you, Jesus, that you are sending angels, people, whatever Chaim needs to move this ministry forward. We couldn’t do anything without you Lord. You are our strength, our hope, our love. Jesus, it’s in your name; we believe and receive your Word today, Amen.
(you don’t have to post)
As I read your study for today, I thought about the same feelings I have as I just received the invitation to my 50!!!! :@ Class Reunion!!! How did this happen? I know they are all rich and running the various towns God placed them in and travel the world and I too am home with just enough to get by. And, yes, you do know all the answers to this…you know that you are and have been for years in the hands of God. So do I know this about me. I do think that God will understand my insecure feelings. These are just feelings and they will change. I still know that I am in Gods hands and so do you!
Dear Brother, I have read a few of those other ministers books and they were good but by far better is the book “Hebrew Word Study Exploring The Mind of God!” It touch my heart and mind so deeply. I couldn’t wait to get to the end but then I did not want it to end! It is now my commentary to my Bible. In other books I saw mans thoughts but this book only drew me closer to God my KING. Thank you Chaim and Laura, Best book so far. I am now reading ‘Intimacy With God” but now everything must include the pressence of God. The peace of King Jesus, My God Jehovah to all. “You are a bright righteous shining star in the real world. We see your light and are drawn to it like hungry moths. Keep your light shining for Gods’ Kingdom, there are still many who look for that light…lot of phony lights out there, very distracting.
The accounting of one’s Life is done by The Lord God. He is The One who knows the hearts of every human, thus he knows the motives of the heart.
Perfect Love casts out all fear.
That which is imperfect cannot perfectly judge another who is imperfect.
In regard to ” the measure” of a ministry or a life; God’s scales are accuratly calibrated to His Kingdom Truth and Love.
Remember Yeshua fed the multitudes with a few fishes and loaves of bread. Little Is Much When God Is In It.
The ‘Life Boat’ is not disadvantaged because it is smaller. I tell you it is blessed as it can go places where the water is deep or shallow. It can travel thru the Narrow ravines to rescue those whose lives are drowning in muck of this world. One never knows how far reaching the Arms of God are working in each life. The concern is not what others will think of us, but what Our Father, The Lord God Almighty, Says of us. If He is pleased, then we will be blessed to hear “Well Done” and to witness His All Glowing Beautiful Smile of Favor.
I can only stand in agreement with all the comments from others….you’re seeking the Lord continually throughout your life, your loyalty and dedication to bear witness of him and the good news of the gospel is testimony to you carrying your cross to bring Him glory. You are a man after God’s own heart and sharing the good news of the Kingdom – storing up treasure in heaven. Our Lord has told us to me more concerned about storing up treasure in heaven and where your heart is there is your treasure also. It is very evident to see where your treasure is and what your heart is full of. Your are greatly loved by the Lord and highly favoured. Remember – the last shall be first in the Kingdom.
Finding your ministry has had a massive impact on my life and ministry. I hear your heart and have experienced similar in different ways. We do not always understand God’s ways, but I am so so grateful to God for your ministry. My walk and ministry are so enriched. Bless you
I feel the same way sometimes. My life is comparable to Moses, thick in tongue, needing an “Aaron” to speak for me. I’m great at putting words to paper but my mind goes blank and I kind of have a bit of stammer when I’m in the spotlight. To be honest Chaim, it’s nothing but lies from the enemy, these insecurities. When I think of rewards in heaven, I don’t think of what works I can do to get a better roof on my mansion or new hardwood floors and granite countertops. You have truly found your reward already. He has given you His heart because you are jealous for Him in return. I think to myself, when I get home, if I could just lay against Him and feel His heart beat. That’s all I need. Many people can find salvation and find it just fine to play on the shore but you have walked out in the deep to find his heart. Deep calls to deep. Psalm 42
Thank you for your commitment to bringing the good news everyday, in the way it was meant to be understood. Serving is the ultimate in the kingdom of God. Thank you for serving others with your time in studying out the word. Its gtreatly appreciated.
Your devotion to Yahweh’s Precious Living Letters is a joy to Him. I can sense that. You are laying treasures in Heaven by yourFaithfulness and Love, pursuing Him all this time. You are very rich…and Loved. 😊
Thank you for illuminating our journey into the heart of Abba.
Dear Chaim, I love your honesty, your humour and you yourself! look forward to your email every day and often share snippets of your amazing revelations with my fellowship group. I have forwarded on your emails at times to encourage friends to subscribe as well.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matt 25:40, especially in relation to your ministry to the disability people. Don’t underestimate the value of your job. It’s precious in Jesus’s eyes. It’s sad not to see a great physical reward forgets on earth for your efforts, but I have no doubt you’ll hear, “Well done, good & faithful servant” when you step across the threshold into eternity. Bless you enormously!!
Wow! This is a hard one.
Brother, WAY to hard on yourself! By God’s good grace you have devoted your life to His service.. Yes, the earthly wealth may not have been good, the struggle Hard, but you are showing others how to LOVE. How to love God, how to devote oneself to others well being. You are a man of knowledge, isn’t the Hebrew way (the chosen family) one of action, not words. I’d say your in a favored position. YOUR treasures are the souls you have strengthened, have taught how to read God’s word. The world itself is a struggle, you know that. We’re not here to gather earthly wealth (it would be nice). The members of Moody’s that are successful, DO they have the HEART for God that you do? Some might, but I bet they struggle with their own souls. You don’t struggle with yours, you know who has you in His hands. Be of Comfort Brother, He ALWAYs gives you when you need….even though you may not think it’s enough.
Shalom, Shalom!
Very encouraging reply to a man in need to hear it. Me included.
I agree with David’s comment. Some days your email is the only positive pickup I can look forward to. I’m sure I’m not the only one. You always point the way to God. You have taught me to try to see things from His view through His heart. There is no greater calling in my opinion than to help His sheep to focus on their Shepherd. You are so passionate with tending to us, I know Jesus is pleased and will continue to tend to you. Is this not seeking the kingdom first?
Hi Chaim,
I’ve found your reflections interesting, helpful, and thought provoking. I’ve learned many things about the Bible I never learned elsewhere. Thank you for writing, even when it seems like there is not much fruit. Perhaps you are laying up much treasure for yourself in heaven and it just can’t be seen on earth.
Also, I am disabled and am grateful for people who take on jobs like yours, especially when you do it with the love of Christ.
Grace and peace.
William
Highly esteemed Teacher of The Word of God,
“It is God … Who works in YOU to will and to do HIS GOOD PLEASURE.
I am sure you have a “congregation” of more than 20 who cannot wait to feast on your next revelation of The Word. I also believe that your bus is a mission field. Your reward will be great.
I am not writing for this to be published. I am only writing to encourage you.
Your daily word studies have brought me much joy! I have shared them over and over with anyone in my influence. Your book Racham is beautiful. One chapter an evening is enough because it gives me much to think about and meditate on. My friend and I often choose a book and discuss it – today I recommended she purchase Racham for our next study. She did.
I too am 70 and widowed twice, but love life and am so thankful for a relationship with Our Loving Heavenly Father. I pray you experience peace and joy in our Lord!!