When we hear the word "peace," we often think of the absence of conflict or a sense of calm. However, the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) carries a much deeper and richer meaning. It is one of the most well-known Hebrew words in the Bible and used as the main way both to greet someone and bid farewell, yet its full significance is often lost in translation.
In Hebrew, shalom goes beyond mere peace; it signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, and harmony in every aspect of life. It is not just the absence of trouble but the presence of everything needed for fulfillment. The root of shalom (ש-ל-ם) means "to be whole" or "to be complete." This means that when someone greets another with "Shalom", they are not just wishing them peace but also total well-being, prosperity, and health.
One of the most famous uses of shalom in the Old Testament is found in Numbers 6:24-26, the priestly blessing:
"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 countenance upon you and give you shalom."
Here, shalom represents not only peace but also divine favor, security, and wholeness. This biblical concept of shalom is a reminder that true peace is not just about external circumstances but about being fully restored in relationship with God and others.
Next time you read "peace" in your Bible or some greets you with "shalom", remember that shalom is so much more - it's God's desire for your wholeness, completeness, and perfect well-being.
This has been another tumultuous week for Israelis throughout the nation. On Wednesday morning, the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two adorable sons, Ariel and Kfir (the two young red-head children) were laid to rest in a funeral
King David, the author of Psalm 139, understood the weight of leadership and the need for divine searching. As a warrior and ruler, he experienced moments of triumph and failure
As we come to the end of Winter and Spring in Israel, we understand very well that Israel has been in a severe drought over this last 6 months. Israel lives and exists in God’s agricultural cycle, and the agricultural cycle coincides, and runs in tandem with the annual Moedim (God’s Feast days).
Tomorrow night (Saturday) Jewish families, both secular and religious, in Israel and in the nations, will gather around their tables for the traditional Passover meal, the first feast of the biblical year. A growing number of believers will also join in retelling the Exodus story of deliverance from bondage and slavery into freedom.
Out of Zion Ministries is here to fulfill the calling on the Jewish people to be light and a blessing to the Body of Messiah in the nations. We do our best to keep you updated from our strategic location near the top of Mt.Carmel. If you have a question or a prayer request or if we can bless you in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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We encourage you to consider how to utilize the 'fruits' of your life to partner in Israel’s restoration. If cannot become involved personally, you can still be obedient to this call and partner with Out of Zion in supporting our mission to proclaim God's word to the Jewish people and to the nations.
