What's in a Name? - 5

JEHOVAH SHALOM - (sha-LOME;) - The Lord is our Peace.

            The Hebrew word for peace has a greater depth of meaning than in the English. The word ‘Peace’ doesn’t quite define its meaning adequately. In Hebrew it means “wholeness, completeness, perfection or wellness”.  Shalom comes from living in harmony with your God. The fruit of this harmony is getting along with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness (of mind), and a general well-being. When you pray to Jehovah Shalom you are praying to the source of all peace.

The Israelites had done evil in the sight of the Lord and were taken over by the Midianites. During their oppressive rule an Angel of the Lord came to Gideon, son of Joash. He told Gideon he would lead his tribe against the Midianites and defeat them. Once the Angel was done with Gideon he disappeared. It was then that Gideon realized he had seen an Angel of the Lord face to face. He then built an altar to the Lord where he was, calling it “The Lord is Peace” (Jehovah or YHWH Shalom). ^{(This account is found in Judges 6)}

            Shalom is a title rather than a name for God. It’s a common word of greeting or farewell. When you say Shalom to someone you are essentially hoping that the person is well in the greatest sense of the word. That they are completely fulfilled, satisfied, prosperous, healthy and in harmony with themselves, others and most importantly, God. So, if we mean that in our greeting, whether we are coming or going, perhaps we might say to others, “I wish you Shalom”. That would truly be a mighty blessing toward them.

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name and for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Names of God by Ann Spangler, Zondervan, copyright 2009.