Names of God YHWH Shalom

Thank you for joining us. Something we must always remember is that God has no desire to keep up in the dark concerning Who He is and how Who He is, impacts our lives! His very nature and attributes speaks of His ministry to each one of us. Pray that He will dynamically reveal these truths to you as you read His Word with us today. Eric

We are continuing our study of some of the compound names of God we find in the Scripture. Before we delve into today's study of YHWH Shalom, I would like to remind or inform you of our previous two posts on the 'Names of God' posted on 3/4/26, YHWH, YHWH Jireh and 3/11/26, YHWH Rapha, YHWH Nissi. We have discovered that studying the names of God and becoming intimately knowledgeable of His attributes and nature has the potential to have a tremendous impact on our lives. Thus, if you have not had the chance to read those previous posts, I'd like to encourage you to do so.

Due to their disobedience to God, the Israelites had been being oppressed by the Midianites for seven years. When they cried out to the lord, He sent a prophet to help them understand why they were in that dire circumstance. Then, Gideon had a divine encounter in which he was informed that the Lord was going to use him to save Israel out of the Midian's hands.

It was common belief that seeing God or the angel of the Lord face to face would result in death. (Exodus 33:20). When Gideon realized He had seen the angel of the LORD, he was afraid. In Judges 6:23 and 24, we read, " But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die." 24 So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." The name , 'The LORD is Peace' is YHWH Shalom.

This altar was built to commemorate the divine encounter Gideon had with the LORD and revealed an attribute of the LORD, by His Name written on it. "Peace" shalom in the Hebrew means: wholeness, security, well-being, prosperity, peace and friendship. (NSFLB textual notes). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance adds: completeness, soundness, welfare, quiet, tranquility and contentment.

When the LORD spoke the words, "Do not be afraid," it was a command. "The LORD was encouraging Gideon to trust in His presence and power." This highlights the importance of faith over fear in a believer's life." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

Let's look at what the LORD reveals to us in Isaiah 54:10 (Berean Standard Bible), "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion (unfailing love) will not depart from you, and My 'covenant of peace' will not be broken," says the LORD, Who has compassion on you."

What significance does this verse have for us? Mountains and hills are symbol of strength and endurance. They are considered immovable and eternal. So, in the midst of great upheaval or turmoil, when even what is considered most stable is removed or shaken, God's promises remain steadfast and His steadfast love will not depart from us!

The Hebrew word 'berith' translated 'covenant' in this verse, "describes a solemn, binding relationship established by oath, sealed with a sign and administered by God as the highest party. It is both relational and legal; a bond of fellowship that carries the weight of judicial commitments." (Bible Hub Topical Lexicon). 'Broken' means waver. God's covenants made with mankind will never waver or be broken.

You see, the Lord's 'covenant of peace' is a divine promise of well being and harmony. Remember, in Biblical context, a covenant is a solemn agreement initiated by God to establish an everlasting relationship.

In fact, I would like to take a few minutes to go over the covenants God initiated with His people. "These covenants are unilateral, meaning: God alone sets the terms and ensures fulfillment. The covenants God made signifies God's commitment to creation and his desire for a relationship with humanity." (Bible Hub Bible Study).

The Lord made the Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:9-17) in which He promised to never again cut off life or destroy the earth by a flood. He also promised, "I will be faithful, I will remember, it is an everlasting covenant and is for every living creature. “ (Men and all living beings on earth).

In the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3), YHWH or the LORD told Abram, He would make him a great nation and bless him spiritually and materially. He also stated His blessings were not simply for Abram, but for the world. (Galatians 3:14). This covenant extends to all who align themselves with God's chosen people - all believers!

The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:6) was the promise that all of God's people would be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. A 'holy nation' is a people set apart from the world, dedicated to the Lord and to His service.

When referring to believers, 1 Peter 2:9 reveals, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Thus, as the phrase 'a royal priesthood' would indicate, all believers are to be involved in intercession, teaching, maintaining holiness and reflecting God's character to others. As a member of the ‘royal priesthood’ all believers have a role in representing God to the world!

In the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:8-16) made with King David, the LORD stated that David's royal lineage and kingdom would be established forever (a spiritual kingdom). This covenant was fulfilled in Jesus (born in the lineage of David) when He became the eternal king.

The 'New Covenant' God made was that of a relationship between Himself and his people characterized by internal transformation and forgiveness of sins. This covenant was established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection and is permanent. (Hebrews 8). Verse 13 reveals, "by calling this covenant "new" he made the first one obsolete (Mosaic). Blood sacrifices are no longer required.

With Christ, these covenants have been fulfilled so they are still valid. They are perpetual. (to all future generations) and inclusive (covering all humanity).

So, today, in our focusing on YHWH Shalom, we see the LORD blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11 reveals, "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." 'Bless' means: prosper, and entails fruitfulness, dominion, wholeness and fellowship with God. It is us receiving His favor!

King David was a man after God's heart. In reading Psalm 4:8 (BSB) we realize the truth of the Word. King David could lie down and sleep! "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. " King David could lie down and sleep because the LORD is a covenant- keeping faithful God. David knew that his ultimate security was found in God's presence. David's peace was a gift from God - not self generated.

When we 'trust' Him, He will keep us in 'perfect' peace (Isaiah 26:3). 'Perfect' means completeness and well-being. "Peace is not a feeling; it's a settled state of relationship secured by the LORD'S promises." (Bible Hub Topical Lexicon). To 'trust' means: to be confident, be secure and feel safe.

In Isaiah 9:6, it was prophesied that the Coming Child (Jesus) would be the Prince of Peace. Verse 7 reveals that His government brings endless shalom (peace)! In His government, as he upholds it with justice and righteousness - everything will be right! What a tremendous truth! Peace will prevail!

Ephesians 2:14a reads, "For He Himself is our peace. Jesus Himself is our peace. He is the embodiment of peace!

Colossians 3:15 reads, "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." The understood subject of this sentence is 'You.' You let the peace of God rule in your hearts. We must choose! We are 'called' eklethete meaning summoned or addressed by name. The Lord initiated the call, however. that call requires a response from us!. "We need to be intentional in embracing the peace of God in our lives. God's peace can prevail in the midst of chaos." (godsbless.ing).

The peace of God (divine tranquility) goes beyond , transcends or surpasses our ability to comprehend or logically grasp. (Philippians 4:7). The peace of God originates from God Himself and is not dependent upon our circumstances.

That is how Donna's (my wife) family could gather around the piano at her mother's house following her dad's funeral service and sing praises to God. Did the family grieve? Certainly, however, in the midst of it, God's peace ruled in their hearts.

That is also how Donna and I were able to respond calmly when the Doctor told us that I had prostate cancer. We chose to allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts. Just a word of testimony, I have been cancer free since 2010! Praise God!

There comes a point in time, where you need to let go of 'your' logic and 'your' need to understand everything and simply move on, act in faith and trust in the One Who is so much greater that yourself.

Allow these words of Jesus to encourage and strengthen you. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27). The peace He gives us is rooted in our relationship with Him. Realize also that 'peace' is the fruit of the Spirit, Who lives is us!

His peace surpasses all understanding. It is not the world's temporary and conditional peace which is based on circumstances. His peace is unconditional, eternal and is not subject to change!

"Do not let your heart be troubled." 'You' again make the choice... to be in fear, be afraid, let turmoil rule OR to choose faith and ask the Father to let His peace rise up in you and allow it to consume every fearful thought.

The Lord's presence in our lives is the source of our strength, guidance, comfort and peace. Believers, we are never alone! Remember, His covenant of peace will not be broken.

Romans 8:35 and 37 reveals that trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or sword cannot separate us from the love of God. All of these things would try to strip us of our peace, however, we have His Word - NOTHING can separate us from His nature, His love and His peace! We can absolutely trust in God's control over our lives. He is sovereign over all circumstances. We should never look at our external circumstances to find peace. It comes through our relationship with God.

I will end today's study with this prayer - for you.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all."

Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture was taken from the New International Version.

NSFLB New Spirit Filled Life Bible

BSB Berean Standard Bible