Peace
Peace The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹב, shalom, usually translated peace, means, properly, health, prosperity, welfare. It is the same as the salam of the modern Arabs, and is in like manner used in salutations (q.v.). The Greek εἰρήνη from having been frequently used as a rendering of the Heb. word, naturally passed over in the same sense into the N.T.
Accordingly "peace" is a word used in Scripture in different senses. Generally it denotes quiet and tranquillity, public or private; but often prosperity and happiness of life; as to "go in peace;" to "die in peace;" "God give you peace;" "Peace be within this house;" "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Paul in the titles of his Epistles generally wishes grace and peace to the faithful, to whom he writes. Our Savior recommends to his disciples to have peace with all men, and with each other. God promises his people to water them as with a river of peace (Isa 66:12), and to make with them a covenant of peace (Eze 34:25).
Peace, properly, is that state of mind in which persons are exposed to no open violence to interrupt their tranquillity.
1. Social peace is mutual agreement one with another, whereby we forbear injuring one another (Ps 34:14; Ps 132).
2. Ecclesiastical peace is freedom from contentions, and rest from persecutions (Isa 11:13; Isa 32:17; Re 12:14).
3. Spiritual peace is deliverance from sin, by which we were at enmity with God (Ro 5:1); the result is peace in the conscience (Heb 10:22). This peace is the gift of God through Jesus Christ (2Th 3:16). It is a blessing of great importance (Ps 119:165). It is denominated perfect (Isa 26:3); inexpressible (Php 4:7); permanent (Job 34:29; Joh 16:22); eternal (Isa 57:2; Heb 4:9). SEE HAPPINESS.
