The Shalom PathSample

Shalom is Peace in Friendship

Fifth, shalom is peace in terms of friendship. It is peace among humans. Genesis 26:29, 31 tells of the peace established between Isaac and Abimelech. Psalm 35:20 talks about those who live quietly in the land. There is harmony with the neighbors. Those who promote peace have joy according to Proverbs 12:20. Shalom in terms of man to man relationships is the harmony necessary in society.

When I was in high school, I managed the ice cream fountain at the most charming drug store in the U.S.A. west of Chicago. The owner gave me priceless advice that stays with me to this day. He said, “Be sure to meet everyone where they are that day. For example, a giggly kindergartner, a starry-eyed grammar school kid staring at dozens of ice cream tubs, a frazzled young parent, a grieving senior citizen needing a prescription for their pain—each one needs a different type of greeting and assistance. Be friendly, be proper, be a blessing.”

This particular definition of shalom also describes peace between God and man. In Numbers 25:12 the Lord is making a covenant of peace with the Israelites. Isaiah 53:5b, says “…the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Since the penalty of sin is paid by the suffering servant, man’s relationship with God is restored. The result: man is offered peace and healing. In Isaiah 54:10 the Lord assures of His love and covenant of peace: or shalom. This shalom is referred to again in Malachi 2:5-6.