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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Shalom


My friend, Pat has got me thinking about all things Jewish. We recently had a phone conversation in which she shared with me the deeper meaning of the word, "Shalom." She also shared with me that she has a mezuzuah - hence my previous post. Not to mention that she has been ending each of her blog posts with "Shalom." Our conversation has caused me to think more and more lately about our Jewish roots (for after all, I, being a non-Jew, am grafted into that faith!) Therefore, I've decided to do some further exploring...

Most know that the Hebrew word shalom is understood around the world to mean "peace." However, "peace" is only one small part of the meaning of shalom. "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye"....

According to Strong's Concordance 7965 Shalom also means:

  • Completeness
  • Wholeness
  • Health
  • Peace
  • Welfare
  • Safety
  • Soundness
  • Tranquility
  • Prosperity
  • Perfectness
  • Fullness
  • Rest
  • Harmony
  • and the Absence of agitation or discord

  • Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.

    Jesus (Yeshua) is called Sar Shalom, Prince of Peace, which perfectly describes the ministry and personality of Jesus, the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6). Furthermore, Paul assured the Ephesian Christians saying of Jesus, "He Himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14). When you pray to Sar Shalom, you are praying to the One who is the source of all peace. To live in peace is to live in His presence. Let the One Who is called the Prince of Peace rule in your heart!

    In other words, the word shalom is a mighty blessing!

    Proverbs 18:21 tells us there is life or death in the power of the tongue. Therefore, whenever you employ the word "shalom" you are speaking into someone's life all the wonderful things that shalom means!

    ______________________________________________________
    YAHWEH bless you and keep you.
    YAHWEH make His face shine upon you
    and be gracious to you.
    YAHWEH lift up His face upon you
    and give you SHALOM.
    In the name of SAR SHALOM - the Prince of Peace.
    -Numbers 6:24-26
    ______________________________________________________

    1 comment:

    Pat said...

    Yes, Yes, Yes! THere is great meaning to the word Shalom...it is so much more then peace! You've done such a great job explaining it. There is such richness in knowing the true meaning of words of faith.
    My mother would be so proud of you, she embrased all things Hebrew and never ceased in praying for the peace of Isreal.