We all want peace of mind and happiness but worldly peace is different than the peace that is found in the Bible. So what does peace mean and what types of peace in the Bible are there?
What does Peace mean in the Bible?
Peace or ‘Shalom’ in Hebrew means “completeness, soundness, welfare or contentment.”
The Greek word for peace is ‘Eirene.’ It has a similar meaning to the Hebrew but it adds another definition of the peace of the Messiah or the way that leads to peace or salvation.
Of all the types of peace in the Bible, I found five themes or types of peace in the Bible.
1. Peace in the Bible: Don’t be afraid
In the series on Fear, we talked about: fear of the unknown, what is fear in the Bible, causes of fear, effects of fear, and overcoming fear.
Peace dispels that fear. When we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have no reason to have fear. If you are skeptical about that, read about the 5 ways to overcome fear.
A New Testament Example
In Jesus’ message to the disciples prior to leaving earth, he told them that we’d have troubles in this world. But we don’t need to fear. He has overcome the world. And He said that in Him, we have peace. Ahhh….so comforting!!
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
An Old Testament Example
In Genesis, Joseph was second in command of the land of Egypt. There was a famine in the land and his brothers had come to get food. He immediately recognized them and he wanted further interactions with his siblings and eventually wanted to let them know that he forgave them for selling him into slavery. When they returned (a second time) because there was money found in their bags, they came back fearful that they were going to be in all kinds of trouble. He told them to not be afraid but to have peace.
He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
Genesis 43:23 ESV
2. Peace in the Bible: Times of Peace from War
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote that there is a time for many different things. War and peace are on the list.
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 ESV
In the Old Testament, there were many battles with the ‘neighbors’ of Israel over the years. In these two verses, God tells Israel that they will have a time of rest from wars and will have peace in the land.
He built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace.
2 Chronicles 14:6 ESV
I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land.
Leviticus 26:6 ESV
3. Peace in the Bible: Hold your Peace
Saul had just become king and some of the people didn’t respect him as king. In this passage, Saul kept quiet when they did not show honor to him.
But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.
1 Samuel 10:27 ESV
Saul definitely had his issues with being a bad leader throughout his tenure. At this point, he was acting wisely and holding his tongue.
Another example of Holding your Peace
Jacob heard that Shechem had raped his daughter Dinah. He wanted to tell his sons but waited until they returned home. He held his peace.
Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah. But his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came.
Genesis 34:5 ESV
I don’t know the exact reason why he waited. Maybe it was to let his anger settle down instead of boiling over. One commentator said Jacob wasn’t a good disciplinarian of his kids so he was going to rely on his sons to deal with the matter. Whatever the case, I think it was good for him to be quiet for a moment and let his anger settle down. When we don’t take time to cool off, we say things in anger that are spiteful and meant to lash out or hurt the other person. Once we are able to think through the situation, we can come up with some logical answers and speak with peace.
4. Peace in the Bible: Speak Peacefully
This next type comes from a negative perspective first.
When Joseph was young, his brothers saw that their father showed favoritism for Joseph. They naturally didn’t like that & resented him.
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
Genesis 37:4 ESV
In the Psalms, David wrote often about his enemies and how God was the one who strengthened him. In this Psalm, he talks about how those around him “talk” about peace but they aren’t being truthful. There is deception behind those words.
For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit.
Psalm 35:20 ESV
In this other Psalm, the writer talks about God speaking peace to those who follow Him.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
Psalm 85:8 ESV
Since God speaks peace to us, we should speak peace to others as well.
5. Peace in the Bible: Peace with Others
The last type of peace in the Bible is peace with others. In fact, this verse tells us to be ‘salty.’ This verse is also a command.
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
Mark 9:50 ESV
This next verse is packed with information about having peace with others. When a relationship has been broken, we need to aim at restoration. We need to comfort each other and live in peace. When we don’t do these things, our life is NOT peaceful at all.
the benefit of God being with us.
This verse gives us reasons to have peace with others. When we have peace with others, God’s love and peace are with us too. We benefit from the peace itself.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
Reflection Thoughts
Of the types of peace, which one type do you need to work on today? Ask God for His help in doing that one thing today.
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Resource Library
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