“Shalom!” This is the traditional Jewish greeting, which can be used as a “hello” or a “goodbye,” but literally the world shalom is Hebrew for “peace.” I think it’s a great sentiment to wish peace to someone when you greet them, whether coming or going. But what does the Bible say about peace? What kind of peace are we talking about?
The word “peace” occurs hundreds of times in the Bible, so I will not list all of them in this post. There are different kinds of peace discussed as well.
One type of peace spoken of in the Bible is regarding relationships. There can be peace between people, such as in Genesis 34:21 where Jacob’s sons make a deal with the Hivites to live peacefully together. Peace can also happen between nations, such as in 1 Kings 5:12 where Solomon and the nation of Israel has a peaceful agreement with Hiram, who supplied logs for the construction of the temple. We also see God promising peace to His people, such as in Psalm 85:8: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly.”
Ultimately, true peace only comes from God. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus was foretold to be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and at His birth the angels proclaimed peace on Earth (Luke 2:14). In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” A bit later in the same discourse (John 16:33) Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We are commanded to live in peace as much as we can. Romans 14:19 says, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” We are also told to, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Peace should be a way of life for those who follow Jesus Christ, as He is the embodiment of peace.
Because of sin in the world, there will continue to be conflicts and a lack of peace, until Jesus comes back again to instill lasting peace as in Isaiah 11:1-10. Jesus came to earth to take on our punishment and die so that there may be peace (Isaiah 53:3).
Are you living a life governed by the peace of Jesus, or by the flesh? Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” I encourage you to pursue Jesus’ peace in your life this week. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
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