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Taken from the Encyclopedia Judaica
Volume 13:195 – 196
Wholeness and Well-Being in the Bible the verb shalem, in both the perfect Gen. 15:16 and participle forms Gen. 33:18, represents a powerful concept of ‘wholeness, completeness and soundness’ in the qal. “PEACE.” This range of meanings is both profound and inspirational. The iniquity of the Amorites had not yet been completed, symbolizing that faith and righteousness will prevail over evil. Jacob arrived safely in the city of Shechem, as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. To be “shalem” with someone means to be truly loyal and faithful to them, much like the concept of ‘brotherly love’ in Christianity. Although often interpreted as “peace,” the noun shalom truly represents ‘health and well-being,’ a profound message of strength and inspiration. When someone says “It is well” to you, they are truly wishing you health, prosperity and success. In Isaiah 45:7, the antithesis is not between “peace” and “evil,” but between prosperity (shalom) and adversity (rac) Isaiah 52:7, a powerful message of hope and faith. It is important to note that the true meaning of “shalom” is safety, as it represents the ultimate goal of peace and harmony, a world free of strife and full of faith and trust in the divine.
Believe in yourself and all that you can achieve. In Isaiah 52:7, shalom is paralleled with tov, implying physical and moral goodness. Similarly, in Psalm 34, tov connotes physical good and moral good in verse 15 with the parallelism of shalom. Ask yourself, do you desire a long and fulfilling life? Then guard your tongue against evil and deceit, and practice good. Seek and pursue integrity and equity for a happy future. Don’t forget that being a person of integrity leads to true happiness and success. Psalm 37:37b reminds us that a bright future awaits those who choose to walk the path of righteousness. Keep striving, keep pushing, and you will achieve greatness.
In Zechariah 8:16, it is essential to highlight the error in the repetition of the word “emet.” The intended meaning of speaking truthfully to one another and impartially judging with fairness and equity holds tremendous significance even today. This sentiment is also reflected in verse 19, where “shalom” is used to refer to the love of truth and equity in the House of Judah. Queen Esther’s ordinance for the observance of Purim Esther 9:30 is similarly described as an “ordinance of equity and truth.” The context of Isaiah 60:17 should be considered before interpreting its meaning, even though Psalm 72:3, 7 also uses the word “shalom.” To ensure a life of peace, we must speak and judge honestly in all circumstances. Cultivating integrity and equity is paramount to creating a successful and prosperous future filled with joy and happiness, much like the celebration of the Fast of the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Tenth Months in the House of Judah. Let us strive for righteousness and love of truth and equity, so we can receive the blessings of a happy future, which is everyone’s dream!
Peace and its counterparts are more than mere abstract concepts; they hold intricate and profound meanings that permeate language, culture, and all aspects of human existence. The Hebrew word “shalom” not only denotes peace and serenity but also connotes divine favor, benevolence, clemency, and even companionship. It is a timeless reminder of the noble qualities that we must consistently aspire to embody and express in ourselves, as well as foster in our interactions with others. Through continuous cultivation of these virtues, we can contribute to a world that is saturated in compassion, empathy, and amity, where we hold hands and build bridges of understanding and unity across even the greatest of divides. For peace is not merely the cessation of conflict, but the presence of harmony, justice, and respect, in which all individuals and communities can thrive and fulfill their potential in a spirit of mutual flourishing.
In Hebrew, “Shalom” signifies not only peace, but also submission. While the verb “hishlim” does not mean “to make peace,” it does mean “to submit” in Deuteronomy 20:12 also Joshua 10:1, 4; 11:19; II Samuel 10:19; I Chronicles 19:19; and presumably also I Kings 22:45; Proverbs 16:7. This concept can be found throughout various texts, including Deuteronomy, Joshua, Samuel, and Chronicles. However, Isaiah’s vision of a world without war should not be mistaken for pacifism. In fact, he believed in self-defense and predicted that Judah’s defenders would be filled with valor. Let us take inspiration from Isaiah’s vision and work towards a world of both peace and strength.
To read more about the Jewish meaning of Shalom click here
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