The Concept of "Shalom" (Peace/Wholeness)
The English word "peace" often conjures images of the absence of conflict or a tranquil state of mind. While these are certainly aspects of peace, the rich Hebrew concept of "shalom" extends far beyond such limited definitions. Shalom, a term deeply woven into the fabric of the Old and New Testaments, signifies a profound state of completeness, soundness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. It speaks of wholeness in all aspects of life – spiritual, physical, emotional, and social – rooted in a right relationship with God and man.
Understanding shalom requires us to look at God's original intention for creation, the disruption caused by sin, and His ongoing redemptive work to restore this comprehensive peace to humanity and the world.
Shalom: God's Original Design and the Fall's Rupture
In the beginning, God created a world permeated with shalom. The Garden of Eden was a place of perfect harmony: man in unhindered fellowship with God, man and woman in perfect unity, and humanity living in stewardship over a creation that perfectly reflected God's order. There was no sickness, no conflict, no fear, no death – only a state of complete well-being and flourishing.
However, this perfect shalom was shattered by the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Sin introduced discord and brokenness into every relationship:
- Broken relationship with God: Man hid from God's presence.
- Broken relationship with self: Shame and guilt entered.
- Broken relationship with others: Blame and discord between Adam and Eve.
- Broken relationship with creation: Thorns and thistles, painful toil.
The fall brought about a profound absence of shalom, leading to a world marred by conflict, suffering, and spiritual death. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, God immediately initiated His plan for redemption, a plan that would ultimately lead to the restoration of true shalom.
Shalom in the Old Testament: A Promised Restoration
Throughout the Old Testament, the longing for and promise of shalom are central themes. God continually expressed His desire to restore His people to a state of wholeness and well-being. The word "shalom" appears hundreds of times, used in greetings, farewells, and in descriptions of national prosperity or individual health.
The priestly blessing in Numbers 6 beautifully encapsulates God's desire for His people's shalom:
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
This "peace" is not merely the absence of war, but a comprehensive blessing of God's presence, favour, and complete well-being. The prophets often spoke of a future time when God would bring ultimate shalom through the coming Messiah. Isaiah, in particular, paints a vivid picture of this future reign:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
This "Prince of Peace" would bring an enduring shalom that would have no end. Isaiah also speaks of the peace that comes from trusting in God:
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
This "perfect peace" (Hebrew: shalom shalom) signifies a double measure of wholeness and tranquility, a peace that transcends circumstances when one's mind is fixed on the Lord. Even in exile, God commanded His people to seek the shalom of their captors:
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
This verse highlights the communal aspect of shalom – the well-being of the individual is intertwined with the well-being of the community.
Shalom Embodied: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace
The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment and bringer of shalom. His birth was announced with the proclamation of peace:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Jesus' life and ministry were a living demonstration of shalom. He healed the sick, cast out demons, calmed storms, fed multitudes, and reconciled sinners to God. He broke down barriers of hatred and division, particularly between Jew and Gentile, as Paul declares:
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Through His death on the cross, Jesus made the ultimate peace offering, reconciling humanity to God. This foundational peace with God is the starting point for all other forms of shalom in a believer's life:
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Before His crucifixion, Jesus promised His disciples a unique kind of peace, distinct from the world's:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
This is an internal peace, a spiritual wholeness that remains even amidst external turmoil, because it is rooted in His finished work and abiding presence.
Shalom in the Believer's Life: A Present Reality and Pursuit
For those who are in Christ, shalom is not just a future hope, but a present reality and a continuous pursuit. Believers experience:
This peace is a divine sentinel, protecting us from anxiety and fear.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
To "rule" implies allowing peace to be the umpire, settling disputes within our inner being and guiding our responses.And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
This means actively seeking reconciliation, fostering unity, and living in harmony, even when it is challenging. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of their Prince of Peace.Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Living in shalom means striving for wholeness in every area of life, not just personally, but also contributing to the well-being of families, communities, and nations.
Shalom Fulfilled: The Eschatological Hope
While believers experience a measure of shalom now, the ultimate and complete restoration of God's original design awaits the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The book of Revelation paints a glorious picture of this ultimate shalom:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
In the new heavens and new earth, God will dwell perfectly with His people, and all the brokenness, suffering, and discord introduced by sin will be eradicated. This will be a state of perfect, eternal shalom, where every aspect of creation is restored to its intended harmony and wholeness under the benevolent reign of the Prince of Peace.
Conclusion: Living in Shalom
The concept of shalom is a profound and comprehensive biblical truth, extending far beyond a superficial understanding of peace. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, and harmony in every dimension of existence, rooted in a right relationship with God. From God's original design in creation to the promise of restoration through Christ, and finally to the ultimate fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth, shalom is the overarching theme of God's redemptive plan.
As believers, we are called to embrace the shalom given to us through Jesus Christ – peace with God and the peace of God – and to actively pursue and extend shalom in our relationships and communities. By living as agents of His peace, we bear witness to the transforming power of the Gospel and anticipate the day when true shalom will fully encompass all creation.