The chastisement for our peace was upon Him…Isaiah 53:5
In Israel, rather than greeting others with hello or have a nice day, the common greeting – like it has been for centuries – is the Hebrew word shalom.
Although there are others, shalom is most common biblical Hebrew term for peace.
And it’s a word pregnant with multi-faceted and nuanced meaning.
As in English, the concept of shalom-peace can describe healthy relations between people, groups, or even nations; but it is also a state of being – to be under the rich blessing of God.
To the Hebrew mind, shalom includes peace, and contentment, and harmony, and tranquility.
It addresses completeness, health, safety and prosperity.
Consequently, Jews use the term as a meaningful greeting for both hello and good-bye.
Although expressed in various forms, the precise term shalom appears over 200 times in the Old Testament, and 25 times in Isaiah alone causing him to be thought of as the Prophet of Peace.
Savor the beautiful truth of these well-loved examples:
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Shalom.
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of His government and shalom there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims shalom, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us shalom, and with his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 66:12 For thus says the LORD: Behold, I will extend shalom to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.
Here’s one of the most grammatically intriguing examples. Most of us know this verse as: You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
However, in the original language, Isaiah simply repeats shalom thereby providing a literary emphasis.
There’s shalom. And then Isaiah heightens to shalom-shalom!
Shalom, rightly understood is stunning.
But Isaiah wants to be more evocative and consequently doubles the impact.
The result is:
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in shalom-shalom, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Takeaway: as a Christ-follower, does shalom characterize your life?
I have to ask, if not, then why not?
Here’s the hard truth: it’s not because He’s failed to provide what I need, but rather that I’ve failed to appropriate what He’s already provided
Shalom is what Christ provides to His people. The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him and with his wounds we are healed.
Enjoy your shalom-shalom today!
...graphic by Alex Ringer, freeimages.com
