Peace (שלום, Shalom) encompasses harmony, wholeness, and the absence of conflict, both on a personal level and within the broader community. It suggests completeness, fulfillment, and a sense of well-being that pervades all aspects of life. Shalom represents an ideal state of existence where all creation exists in harmonious relationships.
The root of "שלום" (shalom) is "ש.ל.מ" (sh-l-m), which is the idea of completeness or wholeness. This linguistic connection highlights the intrinsic link between peace and a state of completeness, suggesting that true peace involves the integration of all parts into a harmonious and whole entity.
Peace (wholeness of being with harmony) is often portrayed as the ultimate future goal and the foundation of all blessings. Peace has a transformative power as well. Achieving peace requires active engagement in justice and righteousness. Peace is not simply a passive state but an outcome of deliberate efforts to address injustice. In Isaiah, there is a prophetic vision of a future where peace reigns, characterized by a harmonious world order underpinned by Divine justice and mercy.
"He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)
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