YAHWEH SHALOM------GOD IS PEACE
Judges 6:1-24; John 14:27
Shalom aleikhem literally meaning “Peace be upon you” and is the traditional greeting used when two Jewish people meet. The appropriate response is “aleikhem shalom,” or “upon you be peace.” It is also the name of the song that begins the Shabbat meal Friday night. Shalom Aleichem — May peace be upon you.
The table is set with the finest china, crystal, and silver. When it comes to Shabbat, nothing is saved for a special occasion, for this is the special occasion! Those who went to church (synagogue) have now returned, and the room is filled with the warm sounds of Good Shabbos greetings. Everyone is invited to the table, and the meal begins with this song.
A Jewish writer stated that on the most basic level, by singing this song, we are asking God to bless our home with peace; that there should be no conflict between friends or family, especially on Shabbat. Yet on another level, we are asking for completeness: that we should truly feel that we lack nothing — that the world is complete on Shabbat. We sit back in awe at this revelation. Our weekday work is done.
The only work now is the work of Shabbat, which is something much deeper and often much harder to attain — that is working on oneself, on real completeness, the achievement of a more ideal sense of self.
On Shabbat, one is no longer split. During the week there is the working you, the family you, the day-to-day you. But on Shabbat you are focused, with everything in harmony: family, learning, joy of life…
Most people 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. According to biblical dictionaries Shalom also means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.
To get a better understanding of what this term means and how it can be applied, turn with me to the book of Judges 6:1-24 (p 174). This book records a very tough time in the history of Israel. The very last phrase of this book gives us insight into why things were going south for them: “…everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges21:25). And because of that, on seven different occasions we read of God’s people cycling through a period of rebellion which led to punishment from God. After suffering for some time, they would eventually repent and then be restored to a time of rest and peace. But then they’d begin the process all over again. (read passage)
At this time in their story, we findIsraelunder oppression by the Midianites. They were forced to hide in caves. The Midianites took all their food, tools, and livestock. It was during this time of cruelty thatIsraelcried out for deliverance. So God called Gideon to deliver them.
Into this chaos and fear, God speaks to Gideon and says, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” In reading these words it is easy to underestimate the impact these words had on Gideon. He and his people had not known peace for seven long years. They were all afraid and worried about dying every day. And now Gideon had casually conversed with God himself, daring to question and complain to the King of Heaven. God could rightly vaporize him just like he did to the meat and the bread in verse 21. But the Lord instead pronounced peace. Gideon was about to experience peace with God, with himself, and with others. Don’t miss this. To a man who had not known peace in a long time, this was an amazing promise.
We’re surrounded by the troubles of the world, Satan continuously plans sneak attacks against us, and we’re filled with awareness of our own sinfulness and struggles. All of that can create a kind of perpetual chaos in our lives, where we feel pressure, stress, conflict, fear, guilt and even shame. G.K. Chesterton was right when he said, “Whatever else is or is not true, this one thing is certain—man is not what he was meant to be.”
Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, the human race has not been what it was meant to be. Sometimes it’s because we have let too much of the world in; other times it’s because we’ve given in to the devil; and other times we’re simply done in by our tendency to sin. Or, it’s simply circumstances that cave in on us. Let’s look at four ways we can break out of this cycle and discover shalom from Judges 6.
First, examine yourself and your life. Our example is the nation ofIsraelwho, in typical fashion, has turned their backs on God once again. After a time of prosperity, the people had gotten proud and then pushed God away. That happens in our lives too, doesn’t it? We receive a few blessings, and then we start to drift away from our spiritual anchors. Our church attendance becomes hit-or-miss, we slow down in our serving, and we end up being too busy with our time, talents, and treasures.
Verse 1 tells us that because they did evil in the eyes of the Lord, discipline was unleashed in the form of the mighty Midianites. They were extremely powerful and exploited the Israelites mercilessly. The name Midian means “strife.” Because things were so bad, God’s people had left their homes and were living in holes in the ground, fearing for their lives. They had no peace at all; in fact, they were falling to pieces. The Midianites were nomadic people, and would invadeIsraelevery year at harvest time. Verse 5 mentions that they would come in like locusts and would destroy the land. As a result, God’s people were stressed out and were living in fear.
The first step to healing and wholeness is always to admit your situation before God. Are you in a mess, in distress, or living with stress? If so, put your struggles into words.
Secondly, request God’s help. Finally, after seven long years, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. Verse 6 says, “Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help.” It’s beyond me why they would wait this long before turning back to God. It’s as if they waited until they couldn’t take it any longer. Does that sound familiar? We know God is trying to get our attention but we hold out, thinking that we can handle it on our own. Even when God allows bad stuff to penetrate through the pores of our life, we often refuse to repent and return to Him. Friend, God wants to use the tough things you are going through right now in order to get your attention! Has it been awhile since you’ve cried out for help? May I encourage you to turn to the only one who can help you.
Third, receive His truth (7-21). I love verse 7 because it shows that when we cry out to God, He will respond. In this case, He sends an unnamed prophet to remind them of their history and heritage and then he delivers the message that God expects total surrender and full devotion in verse 10: “I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites…but you have not listened to me.” While God wants us to ask for help, He wants us to receive His truth about our lives, even if it hurts. This prophet is used by God to get them to see the depths of their immorality. Their main problem was that they had totally forgotten and ignored God…and they needed to admit that.
I love what happens next. Gideon was threshing some wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. The Hebrew word used here expresses the idea of hiding. A winepress was made out of stone and was built underground. When someone would thresh wheat they’d normally do it out in the open so that the wind could blow away the chaff. But Gideon is afraid of the Midianites and so he’s whacking the wheat with a stick in an underground bunker. The mighty Gideon is a hero in hiding. He’s defeated and discouraged, filled with doubts and fears. He’s afraid of what was “out there” and he was also terrified “in here” (inside him).
Verse 12 tells us that the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” This time God doesn’t send a prophet, or even an understudy angel; He sends the “Angel of the Lord,” which most commentators believe is the preincarnate Christ! By the way, in the Hebrew, this phrase, “The Lord is with you” is the root to the name “Immanuel,” God with us, which was the name used for Jesus in Matthew 1:23.
After being called a mighty warrior, Gideon questions God out loud, wondering why a bunch of bad things have happened to his people. Verse 14 reveals that God “turned to him,” which literally means that He rotated, looked at Gideon and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Gideon responds by saying that his resume isn’t very impressive. He comes from the smallest tribe, the weakest link in his clan, and he’s the youngest in his family.
God confirms His priorities with His presence in verse 16, “I will be with you.” Gideon is given a commission but is also promised the companionship of Immanuel. By the way, did you notice that God never answered Gideon’s questions? That could be because the answer was obvious, or more likely it’s because Gideon’s obedience is more important. What a good reminder for us. We often pepper heaven with our complaints and our questions while we cross our arms and do nothing. How can we demand answers from God when we won’t even do what He has already revealed to us.
Finally, respond in worship. When Gideon realizes that He is in the presence of the Almighty, he cries out in verse 22: “Ah, Sovereign Lord!” He is using the names Adonai and Yahweh. He has finally come to the point of submitting to the Sovereign LORD. But now Gideon is very nervous because he realizes that he has been in the presence of God himself and he’s afraid that he will be struck dead.
Now we come back to verse 23, the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” “So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace…” This is the first, and as far as I can tell, the only time that we see this combination of names: Yahweh Shalom. The Great I Am is Perfect Peace. The God of Peace for our lives.
God said “shalom” to Gideon when He could have shamed him. Gideon in turn, had his whole view of God changed so he made a memorial to Jehovah Shalom. There is no single English word that communicates the richness of Shalom. The general idea is of completion and fulfillment and brings with it the sense of wholeness and harmony in relationships, especially with God. For Gideon to hear shalom from God meant that he was at harmony with the Holy One. Shalom also signifies a sense of well-being on the inside, and on the outside, and is used to describe health, happiness, quietness of soul, tranquility, prosperity and security.
Many people feel that a complete and fulfilled life is: accomplishing your goals; never saying the wrong thing; being liked by everyone; living a good and moral life; having a wonderful family. While all of these are very important, one can achieve everyone of them and still not truly have Shalom (Peace). Peace with GOD is the highest form of inward satisfaction that also shows itself in the outward person.
Peace is ultimately wrapped up in a Person and is fully realized in the coming of Christ who came to share shalom with us. John 14:27: “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.” The peace that the Prince of Peace provides is far different than anything we can find in the world. Warren Wiersbe points out that the world bases its peace on its resources, while God’s peace depends on a relationship.
According to Romans 5:1, when we put our faith in Christ, we are justified and “have peace with God…” Colossians 1:20 says that Jesus made “peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” The Greek word for peace means to “join together and to bind what is broken.” Jesus longs to put what is broken back together in your life today.
Let me ask you three questions. First, are you at peace with God? What is blocking you in your relationship with God? Doubt, fear, shame? God is fully present. God loves you and is willing to receive all that you are, warts and all, and do God’s work of peace in you.
Secondly, are you at peace with others? Is there someone you need to make peace with? As much as it is in your power, seek to restore what has been broken between you and that person.
Thirdly, are you at peace with yourself? Are you living a life of integrity…experiencing harmony between your inner and outer life? Are you willing to look honestly at problematic issues in your life and take the necessary steps towards healing and wholeness?
Of those three the most important question is, Are you at peace with God right now? Don’t put it off because you may not have another chance. Perhaps you’ve seen the bumper sticker that says: “No God, no peace; Know God, know peace. Properly understood, the New Geneva Study Bible says that “shalom is the symphony of life made meaningful through a right relationship with God.”
To obtain this peace remember, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4). People do not experience shalom because they are not trusting in God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This is the good news of Christianity. That God, the God of peace, who alone brings peace, has acted in Jesus to bring the blessings of shalom to mankind. Fellowship with God, a life lived in his presence, brings an end to inner conflict and war with self and relationships. I pray you experience Shalom aleikhem, “Peace be upon you.”
The table is set with the finest china, crystal, and silver. When it comes to Shabbat, nothing is saved for a special occasion, for this is the special occasion! Those who went to church (synagogue) have now returned, and the room is filled with the warm sounds of Good Shabbos greetings. Everyone is invited to the table, and the meal begins with this song.
A Jewish writer stated that on the most basic level, by singing this song, we are asking God to bless our home with peace; that there should be no conflict between friends or family, especially on Shabbat. Yet on another level, we are asking for completeness: that we should truly feel that we lack nothing — that the world is complete on Shabbat. We sit back in awe at this revelation. Our weekday work is done.
The only work now is the work of Shabbat, which is something much deeper and often much harder to attain — that is working on oneself, on real completeness, the achievement of a more ideal sense of self.
On Shabbat, one is no longer split. During the week there is the working you, the family you, the day-to-day you. But on Shabbat you are focused, with everything in harmony: family, learning, joy of life…
Most people 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. According to biblical dictionaries Shalom also means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.
To get a better understanding of what this term means and how it can be applied, turn with me to the book of Judges 6:1-24 (p 174). This book records a very tough time in the history of Israel. The very last phrase of this book gives us insight into why things were going south for them: “…everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges21:25). And because of that, on seven different occasions we read of God’s people cycling through a period of rebellion which led to punishment from God. After suffering for some time, they would eventually repent and then be restored to a time of rest and peace. But then they’d begin the process all over again. (read passage)
At this time in their story, we findIsraelunder oppression by the Midianites. They were forced to hide in caves. The Midianites took all their food, tools, and livestock. It was during this time of cruelty thatIsraelcried out for deliverance. So God called Gideon to deliver them.
Into this chaos and fear, God speaks to Gideon and says, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” In reading these words it is easy to underestimate the impact these words had on Gideon. He and his people had not known peace for seven long years. They were all afraid and worried about dying every day. And now Gideon had casually conversed with God himself, daring to question and complain to the King of Heaven. God could rightly vaporize him just like he did to the meat and the bread in verse 21. But the Lord instead pronounced peace. Gideon was about to experience peace with God, with himself, and with others. Don’t miss this. To a man who had not known peace in a long time, this was an amazing promise.
We’re surrounded by the troubles of the world, Satan continuously plans sneak attacks against us, and we’re filled with awareness of our own sinfulness and struggles. All of that can create a kind of perpetual chaos in our lives, where we feel pressure, stress, conflict, fear, guilt and even shame. G.K. Chesterton was right when he said, “Whatever else is or is not true, this one thing is certain—man is not what he was meant to be.”
Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, the human race has not been what it was meant to be. Sometimes it’s because we have let too much of the world in; other times it’s because we’ve given in to the devil; and other times we’re simply done in by our tendency to sin. Or, it’s simply circumstances that cave in on us. Let’s look at four ways we can break out of this cycle and discover shalom from Judges 6.
First, examine yourself and your life. Our example is the nation ofIsraelwho, in typical fashion, has turned their backs on God once again. After a time of prosperity, the people had gotten proud and then pushed God away. That happens in our lives too, doesn’t it? We receive a few blessings, and then we start to drift away from our spiritual anchors. Our church attendance becomes hit-or-miss, we slow down in our serving, and we end up being too busy with our time, talents, and treasures.
Verse 1 tells us that because they did evil in the eyes of the Lord, discipline was unleashed in the form of the mighty Midianites. They were extremely powerful and exploited the Israelites mercilessly. The name Midian means “strife.” Because things were so bad, God’s people had left their homes and were living in holes in the ground, fearing for their lives. They had no peace at all; in fact, they were falling to pieces. The Midianites were nomadic people, and would invadeIsraelevery year at harvest time. Verse 5 mentions that they would come in like locusts and would destroy the land. As a result, God’s people were stressed out and were living in fear.
The first step to healing and wholeness is always to admit your situation before God. Are you in a mess, in distress, or living with stress? If so, put your struggles into words.
Secondly, request God’s help. Finally, after seven long years, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. Verse 6 says, “Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the LORD for help.” It’s beyond me why they would wait this long before turning back to God. It’s as if they waited until they couldn’t take it any longer. Does that sound familiar? We know God is trying to get our attention but we hold out, thinking that we can handle it on our own. Even when God allows bad stuff to penetrate through the pores of our life, we often refuse to repent and return to Him. Friend, God wants to use the tough things you are going through right now in order to get your attention! Has it been awhile since you’ve cried out for help? May I encourage you to turn to the only one who can help you.
Third, receive His truth (7-21). I love verse 7 because it shows that when we cry out to God, He will respond. In this case, He sends an unnamed prophet to remind them of their history and heritage and then he delivers the message that God expects total surrender and full devotion in verse 10: “I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites…but you have not listened to me.” While God wants us to ask for help, He wants us to receive His truth about our lives, even if it hurts. This prophet is used by God to get them to see the depths of their immorality. Their main problem was that they had totally forgotten and ignored God…and they needed to admit that.
I love what happens next. Gideon was threshing some wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. The Hebrew word used here expresses the idea of hiding. A winepress was made out of stone and was built underground. When someone would thresh wheat they’d normally do it out in the open so that the wind could blow away the chaff. But Gideon is afraid of the Midianites and so he’s whacking the wheat with a stick in an underground bunker. The mighty Gideon is a hero in hiding. He’s defeated and discouraged, filled with doubts and fears. He’s afraid of what was “out there” and he was also terrified “in here” (inside him).
Verse 12 tells us that the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” This time God doesn’t send a prophet, or even an understudy angel; He sends the “Angel of the Lord,” which most commentators believe is the preincarnate Christ! By the way, in the Hebrew, this phrase, “The Lord is with you” is the root to the name “Immanuel,” God with us, which was the name used for Jesus in Matthew 1:23.
After being called a mighty warrior, Gideon questions God out loud, wondering why a bunch of bad things have happened to his people. Verse 14 reveals that God “turned to him,” which literally means that He rotated, looked at Gideon and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Gideon responds by saying that his resume isn’t very impressive. He comes from the smallest tribe, the weakest link in his clan, and he’s the youngest in his family.
God confirms His priorities with His presence in verse 16, “I will be with you.” Gideon is given a commission but is also promised the companionship of Immanuel. By the way, did you notice that God never answered Gideon’s questions? That could be because the answer was obvious, or more likely it’s because Gideon’s obedience is more important. What a good reminder for us. We often pepper heaven with our complaints and our questions while we cross our arms and do nothing. How can we demand answers from God when we won’t even do what He has already revealed to us.
Finally, respond in worship. When Gideon realizes that He is in the presence of the Almighty, he cries out in verse 22: “Ah, Sovereign Lord!” He is using the names Adonai and Yahweh. He has finally come to the point of submitting to the Sovereign LORD. But now Gideon is very nervous because he realizes that he has been in the presence of God himself and he’s afraid that he will be struck dead.
Now we come back to verse 23, the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” “So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace…” This is the first, and as far as I can tell, the only time that we see this combination of names: Yahweh Shalom. The Great I Am is Perfect Peace. The God of Peace for our lives.
God said “shalom” to Gideon when He could have shamed him. Gideon in turn, had his whole view of God changed so he made a memorial to Jehovah Shalom. There is no single English word that communicates the richness of Shalom. The general idea is of completion and fulfillment and brings with it the sense of wholeness and harmony in relationships, especially with God. For Gideon to hear shalom from God meant that he was at harmony with the Holy One. Shalom also signifies a sense of well-being on the inside, and on the outside, and is used to describe health, happiness, quietness of soul, tranquility, prosperity and security.
Many people feel that a complete and fulfilled life is: accomplishing your goals; never saying the wrong thing; being liked by everyone; living a good and moral life; having a wonderful family. While all of these are very important, one can achieve everyone of them and still not truly have Shalom (Peace). Peace with GOD is the highest form of inward satisfaction that also shows itself in the outward person.
Peace is ultimately wrapped up in a Person and is fully realized in the coming of Christ who came to share shalom with us. John 14:27: “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.” The peace that the Prince of Peace provides is far different than anything we can find in the world. Warren Wiersbe points out that the world bases its peace on its resources, while God’s peace depends on a relationship.
According to Romans 5:1, when we put our faith in Christ, we are justified and “have peace with God…” Colossians 1:20 says that Jesus made “peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” The Greek word for peace means to “join together and to bind what is broken.” Jesus longs to put what is broken back together in your life today.
Let me ask you three questions. First, are you at peace with God? What is blocking you in your relationship with God? Doubt, fear, shame? God is fully present. God loves you and is willing to receive all that you are, warts and all, and do God’s work of peace in you.
Secondly, are you at peace with others? Is there someone you need to make peace with? As much as it is in your power, seek to restore what has been broken between you and that person.
Thirdly, are you at peace with yourself? Are you living a life of integrity…experiencing harmony between your inner and outer life? Are you willing to look honestly at problematic issues in your life and take the necessary steps towards healing and wholeness?
Of those three the most important question is, Are you at peace with God right now? Don’t put it off because you may not have another chance. Perhaps you’ve seen the bumper sticker that says: “No God, no peace; Know God, know peace. Properly understood, the New Geneva Study Bible says that “shalom is the symphony of life made meaningful through a right relationship with God.”
To obtain this peace remember, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4). People do not experience shalom because they are not trusting in God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This is the good news of Christianity. That God, the God of peace, who alone brings peace, has acted in Jesus to bring the blessings of shalom to mankind. Fellowship with God, a life lived in his presence, brings an end to inner conflict and war with self and relationships. I pray you experience Shalom aleikhem, “Peace be upon you.”
