SPIRITUAL SUNDAY 2010 - #3 - SHALOM - Using a new word
Participating in Spiritual Sunday once again. Go here to read all the other Spiritual posts for this week on this site hosted by Charlotte & Ginger.
The meaning of the word "Shalom"
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.
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!"
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.
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Our Tuesday night Bible Study, 3rd Day Sisters, are going to start using SHALOM now that Cindy brought us this information last Tuesday. I thought it was so insightful I wanted to share it here with all of you.
Shalom, dear readers!!!
20 comments:
Great post!
Shalom, Susan! That was beautiful. I am going to use that greeting more.Thanks so much for sharing that article.
Thanks for sharing this.
I had no idea the word had so much more meaning. That is so interesting! Shalom!
That's why we pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
Psalm 122:6-9....Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces."
8-9 For the sake of my brethen and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you." Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.
Nothing missing, Nothing broken, complete....so we are praying for the Temple to be rebuilt because it is missing, we are praying for that land to not be divided, and we are praying for the Prince of Peace, Jesus to return.
Shalom to You! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Oh, I just realized I am saying exactly what Maxine already said to you!
The way where this world is going, we truly need His peace. "Shalom"...Have a great week!
I love the Numbers 6 passage: I sing it to the children each night.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Susan. The word "Shalom" is almost like a mirror, in that in hearing it or saying it at the end of something helps me reflect back on my day or a time with someone and see if indeed I walked in that peace, that wholeness that He's designd me to walk in. Then of course the power of speaking a blessing. Wow! Shalom, all!
scanning your blog..I see you living in Israil. I have lots of family there and am Jewish. Wondering if you're missionaries or Jewish yourself. Sarah
Thanks for sharing, Susan! Beautiful.
Thanks for sharing this Susan.
Thanks, Susan. Seems the computer cannot do EVERYTHING!
You're right. This is very insightful. Thank you. You are also right about how funny the post about airplane repairs is.
Thank you Susan for this informative post. I had no idea the word Shalom had such a diverse meaning. I wish everyone would start using it insead of hi and howdy.
Shalom,
Charlotte
This is very interesting and gives so much more meaning to the word Shalom. Thanks for sharing it with us...God bless.
This is such an interesting post, I learned something new. Thank-you for sharing this today.
Blessings,
Ginger
A wonderful post, thank you ~ Blessings ~
Awesome!
Yes, Shalom to you and yours.
That was a beautiful post.
I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks Susan.
Loved this! One of my favorite words!
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