The concept of peace in the Bible is deeply rooted in the character and promises of God. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of completeness, welfare, and harmony. The LORD, as the ultimate source of peace, is depicted throughout Scripture as the one who establishes and sustains peace for His people.

Biblical Foundation

The LORD's role as the establisher of peace is evident from the earliest narratives of the Bible. In the creation account, God establishes a world of order and harmony, setting the stage for a peaceful existence (Genesis 1-2). However, the fall of humanity introduces sin and discord, disrupting the peace that God intended.

Despite this disruption, God's commitment to peace remains steadfast. In the covenant with Abraham, God promises to bless all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12:3), a promise that ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The LORD's peace is not merely a temporary cessation of hostilities but a comprehensive restoration of relationships between God and humanity, as well as among individuals.

Peace in the Old Testament

Throughout the Old Testament, God is portrayed as the one who grants peace to His people. In the book of Numbers, the Aaronic blessing includes a prayer for peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). This blessing underscores the divine origin of true peace.

The Psalms frequently speak of the LORD as the source of peace. Psalm 29:11 declares, "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace" . Similarly, Psalm 85:8-10 highlights the connection between righteousness and peace: "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land. Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed" .

Peace in the New Testament

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promise of peace through Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus is identified as the Prince of Peace, whose birth heralds the arrival of divine peace on earth (Luke 2:14). Jesus Himself declares, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

The apostle Paul further expounds on the peace established by the LORD through Christ. In Romans 5:1, he writes, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . This peace is not only a reconciliation with God but also a call to live in harmony with others. Ephesians 2:14-17 emphasizes that Christ "is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" , referring to the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles.

The Role of Believers

Believers are called to be agents of the LORD's peace in the world. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount includes the beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This call to peacemaking reflects the transformative power of the peace that God establishes in the hearts of His followers.

The apostle Paul encourages believers to pursue peace actively. In Romans 12:18, he exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . Similarly, in Colossians 3:15, he writes, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" .

Eschatological Peace

The ultimate fulfillment of the LORD's establishment of peace is eschatological, pointing to the future restoration of all creation. The prophetic vision in Isaiah 11:6-9 describes a time when peace will reign universally: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat... They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water" .

The book of Revelation culminates in the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people, and peace will be eternally established: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).