Living Out š-l-m in Today's World

The Meaning of š-l-m

The Hebrew root š-l-m (שָׁלוּם) forms the foundation of biblical concepts of peace, wholeness, and covenantal harmony.

Š-l-m often conveys a state of completeness or flourishing, as seen in Judges 6:24, where Gideon names an altar 'peace to the Lord' (šālōm l’YHWH), signifying reconciliation with God. Unlike generic terms for calm, š-l-m implies relational and spiritual restoration. It is also linked to prosperity, as in 1 Kings 8:66, where the covenant is fulfilled 'with wholeness' (šālōm).

Š-l-m differs from related terms like šālōm (שָׁלוֹם, 'peace') and šālôm (שָׁלוֹם, 'peace' as a greeting). While šālōm often appears as a noun (e.g., Genesis 29:6), š-l-m as a root emphasizes the active process of achieving completeness. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of biblical peace as a covenantal goal.

š-l-m in Isaiah 9:6 and Messianic Prophecy

Isaiah 9:6 elevates š-l-m to a central attribute of the messianic ruler, declaring him the 'Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'

The term š-l-m here transcends political stability. It signifies covenantal harmony and divine restoration. The 'Prince of Peace' (מֶלֶךְ שָׁלוֹם) embodies a future where God’s justice and mercy reconcile creation. This echoes other prophetic visions, such as Micah 5:5, where peace is linked to God’s rule, and Zechariah 9:10, where the messiah brings peace 'from sea to sea.'

In Isaiah’s context, š-l-m reflects a radical hope: a ruler who will not only end conflict but establish a new order rooted in God’s character. This prophecy resonates in the New Testament, where Jesus is named 'Emmanuel' (Matthew 1:23), fulfilling Isaiah’s promise of a peace that originates from God. The 'Prince of Peace' thus becomes a theological bridge between Israel’s covenantal aspirations and the incarnate Christ, whose ministry redefines peace as reconciliation (Romans 5:1) and wholeness (Matthew 11:28-30).

This messianic vision of š-l-m challenges readers to see peace not as a passive state but as an active divine work, culminating in the new creation (Revelation 21:4).

š-l-m in the Psalms and Daily Life

The Psalms frame š-l-m as both a divine gift and a moral imperative, reflecting its dual role in God’s covenantal relationship with humanity.

In Psalm 34:14, the command 'Seek peace and pursue it' (š-l-m) encapsulates this duality, urging active participation in fostering harmony while acknowledging that true peace originates from God’s character. Other psalms, like Psalm 85:8-13, link š-l-m to divine faithfulness and righteousness, suggesting it represents covenantal integrity, a state that goes beyond the absence of conflict.

This pursuit of peace in daily life - whether in personal relationships, justice, or worship - calls believers to embody God’s reconciling work. It involves acts of mercy, justice, and reconciliation, as seen in Psalm 128:6, where the blessing of peace ('š-l-m') is tied to God’s covenantal promises. Such teachings challenge readers to see peace as a holistic state of wholeness, rooted in both divine grace and human responsibility.

Putting 'š-l-m' into Practice

Applying the biblical concept of š-l-m today demands active engagement in fostering wholeness in relationships, communities, and personal faith.

In conflict resolution, š-l-m calls for pursuing reconciliation rooted in justice, as seen in Jesus' fulfillment of Isaiah's 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), rather than temporary compromises. Community building requires embracing inclusivity and covenantal solidarity, reflecting the harmony envisioned in Psalm 85:10, where God's faithfulness and peace coexist. On a personal level, š-l-m challenges believers to seek inner wholeness through spiritual disciplines that align with God's character, as modeled in Psalm 34:14's command to 'seek peace and pursue it.' Yet barriers like pride, systemic injustice, and spiritual neglect hinder these efforts, demanding humility and structural change to overcome.

By addressing these challenges, we move closer to embodying š-l-m in ways that honor God and reflect His redemptive purposes.

Going Deeper

Exploring š-l-m’s theological trajectory reveals connections to related terms and New Testament developments.

Consider Luke 1:79, where Zechariah prophesies the dawn guiding 'our feet into the path of peace' (šālōm), and Philippians 4:7, where Paul describes the 'peace of God' (eirēnē) as surpassing human understanding. These texts reflect how š-l-m’s Hebrew nuances of covenantal wholeness resonate in Christian concepts of peace, inviting study of intertestamental linguistic and theological bridges.