By David Silver
The Hebrew word SHALOM is understood around the world to mean
peace. But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word
SHALOM. Here in Israel, even though we don't have much in the way
of peace, we use the word SHALOM on a daily basis. We use it to
greet people with, and we use it to bid farewell to people.
However, SHALOM means much more than peace, hello or goodbye.
Strong's Concordance 7965 - Hebrew Shalom ..... A word study in the
New King James version for SHALOM says: Completeness, wholeness,
health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity,
perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, 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.
Sar SHALOM (Prince of Peace) is one of the descriptive names the
Bible uses to indicate the ministry and personality of the Messiah:
Isaiah 9:6 - The Son of God is completely perfect in all
things.
So in essence, when you speak out the word SHALOM - you are not
only proclaiming peace, but all the above meanings of the word over
that person - that's a mighty blessing!!!
Remember what the word of God says - "there is life or death in the
power of the tongue".
We recently heard someone on a Christian TV program say: "No wonder
the Jewish people are so blessed, because every time they say
Shalom to one another, they are also allowing the full meaning (see
above) of SHALOM to be pronounced over them. He humorously
proceeded to say that this greeting word would be much more
beneficial to the American people if they greeted each other with
SHALOM instead of their usual "Hi" or "Howdy" greeting. As Josie
and I adapted to life in Israel, we adapted to the SHALOM habit
over the "Hi" habit....As Messianic Jews, we are called to bless
you and we take that very seriously, by praying for you and by
greeting you with SHALOM. Therefore, from now on, when we or
someone says SHALOM to you, you should receive it as a tremendous
blessing. And bless them back with a hearty SHALOM!"
Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His
face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His
face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM - the
Prince of Peace.
