How Does the Bible Define Divine Peace (Shalom)?
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Key Facts
Term Name
Divine Peace (shalom)
Concept Type
Theological
Key Takeaways
- Shalom means God's complete wholeness, not the lack of conflict.
- Shalom is both a divine gift through Christ and a call to pursue justice.
- Shalom offers a countercultural vision of God-centered flourishing today.
What is Divine peace (Shalom)?
In the Bible, Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) represents God’s gift of wholeness, harmony, and flourishing for all creation.
The English word 'peace' often means only the absence of conflict, but Shalom includes physical, relational, and spiritual completeness. Isaiah 54:13 illustrates this: 'My redeemed shall live in peace (שָׁלוֹם), secure in the knowledge that I have created them.' This contrasts with English 'peace,' which often refers only to the absence of conflict.
Shalom in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, Shalom is deeply rooted in God’s creative order, covenantal promises, and vision for justice.
Genesis 1:2 describes the Spirit of God hovering over the formless void, establishing a foundation for Shalom as the wholeness inherent in creation. Leviticus 26:6 emphasizes God’s covenantal blessing of peace: ‘I will grant you peace in the land,’ tying Shalom to His faithful presence among His people. Isaiah 52:7 declares the joy of messianic hope, calling the announcement of Shalom ‘good news,’ which links it to divine salvation and restoration.
These texts portray Shalom as inseparable from God’s active role in sustaining creation, upholding covenantal fidelity, and advancing justice. This Old Testament framework prepares the way for understanding Shalom’s expansion in the New Testament.
Shalom in Romans 15:13
In Romans 15:13, Paul connects divine hope, the Holy Spirit, and Shalom to illustrate believers' trust in God's promises.
Paul writes, 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit' (Romans 15:13). Here, Shalom is portrayed as a gift from God that arises from hope rooted in His faithfulness, sustained by the Holy Spirit. This verse presents Shalom as more than emotional calm; it is a flourishing rooted in relational trust with God.
This vision of Shalom underscores the holistic restoration God offers - both in believers' inner lives and their communal witness - laying a foundation for understanding its broader New Testament development.
Shalom as a Gift and Responsibility
Shalom is both a divine gift, bestowed through Christ's redemptive work, and a call to active participation in God's reconciling mission.
Jesus declares, 'Peace I leave with you.' He adds, 'My peace I give to you.' Not as the world gives do I give to you' (John 14:27), emphasizing that Shalom is a supernatural gift rooted in His authority. Yet in the Sermon on the Mount, He commands, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God' (Matthew 5:9), framing Shalom as a responsibility to pursue justice and reconciliation. This duality reflects both God's initiative and humanity's response in restoring wholeness.
Believers are thus called to embody Shalom by seeking justice, mediating conflicts, and trusting in God's provision. This dynamic interplay of grace and duty shapes the Christian life, bridging divine sovereignty and human accountability.
Why Divine peace (Shalom) Matters Today
In a world marked by materialism, division, and anxiety, Shalom offers a countercultural vision of God-centered flourishing.
Scripture challenges modern materialism by framing Shalom as God’s holistic gift, not a byproduct of wealth or control. Romans 15:13 emphasizes that Shalom arises from trusting God’s promises, not human efforts, while Isaiah 52:7 calls the proclamation of Shalom ‘good news,’ countering despair with divine hope. These passages remind believers that true peace transcends temporary solutions to societal fractures.
Believers embody Shalom by pursuing justice and reconciliation, as Matthew 5:9 designates peacemakers as ‘children of God.’ This call to action bridges faith and practice, inviting followers to reflect Shalom’s wholeness in a fragmented world.
Going Deeper
To deepen your understanding of Shalom, consider exploring Walter Brueggemann’s theological reflections and the Psalms’ prayers of trust and justice.
Brueggemann’s work on the Psalms, particularly their interplay of lament and hope, offers a framework for embodying Shalom in daily life. Engaging with these texts can inspire personal and communal practices that seek God’s wholeness, such as acts of reconciliation and care for the marginalized.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Romans 15:13
Paul connects divine hope, the Holy Spirit, and Shalom as a gift from God.
Isaiah 54:13
God promises His people will live in Shalom, reflecting His creative purpose.
John 14:27
Jesus gives His disciples a supernatural Shalom distinct from worldly peace.
Matthew 5:9
Jesus calls peacemakers 'children of God,' framing Shalom as a moral responsibility.
Related Concepts
Covenant (Theological Concepts)
God’s binding promises underpin Shalom’s covenantal foundation in Scripture.
Redemption (Theological Concepts)
Shalom is realized through Christ’s redemptive work restoring creation.
Reconciliation (Terms)
Shalom embodies the process of restoring broken relationships with God and others.