OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

For the past few years I have intentionally used a biblically-based signature on most of my emails.  In 2011, I signed off with “Abide in the Vine!”  In 2012, it was “Embrace God’s Grace!”  This year it is “Shalom!”

But what does shalom mean?  Is this Hebrew slang for our 21st Century “peace out”? … hardly!

Although we typically think of shalom as a synonym for peace, or the absence of conflict, the Bible paints a fuller, more detailed picture.

The word derives from a root verb meaning to be complete, perfect and full.  According to Strong’s Concordance, shalom [שלום] occurs 242 times in 210 Old Testament verses (NASB).  Depending on the context for each verse, the term is translated as completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.

One of the most profound blessings ever pronounced in all of Scripture is what God commanded Moses to say about the nation of Israel:  “The LORD bless you, and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you shalom.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Proverbs 18:21 indicates that there is life or death in the power of the tongue.  Therefore, whenever we employ the word shalom, we are speaking into someone’s life all the wonderful things that shalom means!

Hope to see you all in my living room on Monday night.

Shalom!

~ tr