Shalom.

Shalom – Anarchy and Chaos Leave...

When using the word ‘shalom,’ we tend to think peace, wholeness, health and prosperity but it’s deeper than that even. Today, there’s no direct translation from any modern language but it beautifully captures ancient Hebrew pictograph language. And while I can’t write in old Hebrew, I can see that each single symbol represents a picture and I’ll do my best to describe it here:

Shin; to destroy.

Lamed; to teach, to learn and also a shepherd’s staff.

Vav; to secure or connect.

Mem; chaos and disorder.

When placing these images together they form a layered image. The image means – to destroy the authority that causes chaos. It encompasses connection via learning and teaching (a heart that understands wisdom) in peace through the shepherd’s staff.

The shepherd’s staff? Jesus is the good shepherd, using the crook (curve) of His staff to direct His sheep in the way they should go and beating off the beasts of the field with the with the shaft (the straight end of the staff). Direction and protection.

As followers of God, this is what we’re meant to do; protect and direct. We’re to remove anarchy and chaos and bring in peace. 

While no modern language directs the phrase in this way, the way the ancient Hebrew scripts conveys the concept of no war but restoration, peace and wholeness, the meaning of shalom today is used and is more than just peace but also the absence of conflict or war. 

The word shalom goes even further still, as such to say ‘to make good or restore,’ not just regarding lost or stolen items but also an overall sense of fullness and completeness in mind, body and estate.

In Aramaic salam is a close rendition of shalom, a similar sounding word referring to the hope of world peace and the end of war, while the Hebrew shalom gets straight to the heart of the matter, in restoration.

And it goes even deeper again. Shalom is an inward sense of completeness/wholeness. It brings with it an inner tranquillity. Used as a greeting, shalom offers wholeness, well-being, best wishes and peace, plus an end to strife.

True shalom is inseparable from justice. Psalm 85:10 states “Righteousness and peace kiss each other,” meaning that peace without justice isn’t biblical.

What a great way to start a conversation; Shalom – Anarchy and chaos leave. Peace come. When someone greets you with shalom, they aren’t just wishing you a peaceful day, they’re also blessing you in body, soul and spirit.

Jesus said in John 14:27; “Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.” This formed part of the farewell discourse Jesus had with his disciples before His crucifixion – a promise of peace which is different to the proffered world view. A verse of comfort and reassurance, restoration, inner peace and strength, regardless of the challenge’s life throws at us.

There’s only one way to attain this peace and that’s through a relationship with Jesus. If you haven’t invited Him into your life, if you want the peace that surpasses all understanding, now’s the time to ask Jesus; Come Lord Jesus, come.