Prophecy and History
“Yet hear the word of the LORD, O Zedekiah, king of Judah! Thus says the LORD concerning you, ‘You will not die by the sword. You will die in peace, . . . Jeremiah 34:4-5a NASB
In peace – This seems like an inconsequential verse. Perhaps not inconsequential for Zedekiah, but certainly nothing more than Jeremiah’s prophecy about Zedekiah’s death. God assures Zedekiah that in spite of the coming destruction of the kingdom, he will not die “by the sword.” He will die beshalom.
There’s only one small problem. Zedekiah didn’t die beshalom. We know the history from the Bible itself. Zedekiah was captured and taken before the king of Babylon. His sons were slaughtered before his eyes. Then his eyes were plucked out, he was bound and put into prison where he finally died (Jeremiah 52:10-11). This is hardly peaceful. So what can we say? Was Jeremiah’s prophecy untrue? Does the book of Jeremiah contain an internal contradiction? Biblical history doesn’t match this biblical prophecy. Have we encountered an historical error in the text?
There are plenty of people who deny the claims of Scripture because they disagree with the Bible’s theological perspective. One example might be the continual objection that no real God would command extermination of entire populations including women and children. Objections like these tend to turn on the differences between an ancient Near Eastern worldview and our contemporary Western ideas. But that isn’t the case when it comes to Zedekiah. Either God’s prophetic word about Zedekiah’s death is true or it is mistaken. And if it is mistaken, as history demonstrates, then how can we trust anything else prophecy might claim about events that have not yet occurred? This little verse becomes a very big problem.
Before we attempt some sort of reconciliation, we need to ask why this is a problem in the first place. The answer revolves around a doctrine called inerrancy. Millard Erickson defines inerrancy as the belief that “the Bible is fully truthful in all of its teachings.”[1]
Erickson goes on to say, “Indeed, whether the Bible is fully truthful is a matter which is of importance theologically, historically, and epistemologically.”[2] According to Erickson’s view (which represents most conservative Christian thinkers), the Bible must be inerrant if it is to be authoritative. This is based on the prior doctrines. As Erickson summarizes:
1. If God is omniscient and if God knows all things, then “He cannot be ignorant of or in error on any matter.
2. Further, if he is omnipotent, he is able to so affect the biblical author’s writing that nothing erroneous enters into the final product.
3. God desires to communicate in a way which will not mislead men.
4. Thus, our view of inspiration logically entails the inerrancy of the Bible. Inerrancy is a corollary of the doctrine of full inspiration.[3]
In other words, those who follow doctrinal statements like Erickson argue that the Bible is completely dependable in what it claims and teaches. But Erickson adds one important caveat. “It is obvious that belief in the inerrancy of the Scriptures is not an inductive conclusion arrived at as a result of examining all the passages of the Bible. . . . Nor is the doctrine of biblical inerrancy explicitly affirmed or taught in the Bible. Rather, it is a corollary of the doctrine of full inspiration of the Bible.”[4]
Carefully consider what Erickson just said. Essentially Erickson notes that inerrancy is a statement of faith, not a claim based on evidence. It is a statement of faith because it depends on a prior doctrine, full inspiration, which is also not the result of examining the evidence. In fact, Erickson concedes that Scripture neither asserts such a doctrine nor endorses such a doctrine. And that raises a very important question. If Scripture itself doesn’t explicitly teach inerrancy or explicitly endorse inerrancy, then where did the idea come from?
Perhaps, while you are roiling this question around, you might ask why we would require a doctrine of inerrancy. Is inerrancy really about our penchant for certainty? And is certainty a concomitant of faith or is it faith’s opposite?
“Accepting a tenet of faith is not difficult; the hard part is accepting the attendant consequences.”[5]
Topical Index: in peace, beshalom, Jeremiah 34:4-5, Jeremiah 52:10-11, inerrancy
“And is certainty a concomitant of faith or is it faith’s opposite?”
1 Cor. 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Heb. 11:6 . . .for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
It seems there are some things we need to be absolutely certain about.
This is something to ponder and ask God about. Thank you Skip.
‘Is inerrancy really about our penchant for certainty?’
I think that is the key to this, and maybe other extra-Biblical ‘doctrines’ we are encouraged to adopt.
“And is certainty a concomitant of faith or is it faith’s opposite?”
Define “certainty”.
🙂
Define “beshalom”!
🙂
Yes Please do! 🙂
be-shalom
the “be” is simply the letter beyt in Hebrew and it is where we get the translation of “in” while the second part of the word is shalom – “peace”.
Shalom is a very broad word that can mean peace, completeness, safeness, health, satisfaction, friend, blessing….The Theological Wordbook of the OT says this about shalom – The general meaning behind the root š-l-m is of completion and fulfillment—of entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship.
The thing about FAITH is that everything about GOD is ABOUT FAITH and without FAITH we cannot Please GOD!!!! It not about my Understanding or Insight !!! It is about my Leaning On -Trusting In – Being Confident in HIM to bring me where HE WANTS!!! Is this not what it is all about????
From Shadow to Substance to Sunshine
~ The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern His errors? cleanse Thou me from hidden faults ~
LORD, I believe..- Help Thou mine unbelief..
What is the opposite of faith? -It is without a doubt, -doubt. Friends, God has spoken. But is He a Man of His word? Can we trust Him? (or better yet, – in the brilliant rearrangement (derangement) of the words of God- let us (once again) return to the garden for a quick review. Did God (really) say to our (not so great) grandparents- “don’t eat the fruit?” Were those words His “torah?”- (instructions). Don’t eat that- it will kill you. Read and follow label directions. Listen and obey. Ever heard of “shema?” Hello? Shema-O Israel. Listen, listen to Him (Adam)- “Do whatever He instructs you to do.” These were the (very wise) words of the mother of our King. The servants “listened” and what followed next? These were the ones (the ones who made the choice to “listen and obey”) who witnessed the water transformed into wine. The very first recorded miracle of the Master. And who (he asked incredulously) was the most obedient man ever to have lived? uhh.. was it Jesus? Give that man a cupie doll..- we have a winner!
Behold, (yes, that’s right- go ahead and take a good long look, – I’ll wait…) ~ Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice ~ Now how did he know that? Where did those words come from? Go to the Source. Friends, this is so deep.. but hang with me (please..) God’s words are found in God’s Book, the Book God wrote, our Bible. Still there? Hangin’ with me? But wait!- there’s more ahead.
I really (deep down inside) would like to get a tat. (or maybe a t-shirt?) How about these three words? “it is written”. As I recall, in my ever faltering and failing memory- these very words were spoken on three separate “attempts” to tempt a Man. There was a Man who fasted for forty days and nights and afterward (our Bible says) He was hungry. Imagine that! Being hungry after not eating for forty days.. who would have thought it? So someone shows up and says- “command these stones that they be made bread.” Easy fix- wouldn’t you say? But this man (instead) decides to quote a scripture and says to this Tempter- “it is written..” Now why (o why) would a hungry Man who is entirely capable of turning stones into bread say unto this snake- “it is written?” Not once, btw, not twice either – but three times Someone said- “it is written.” He said, “God said.” But wait!- there is more.. (always more..)
Always did like this verse, but today I like it even more. Got your ears on? (or are they covered up?) Listen, listen again for the first time- for blessed (as in happy) are the ones who welcome the word- these are the ones who go from doubting- to shouting! From question marks to exclamation points..
First I myself, will pose the question (once again… for the purpose of review: “Hath God said?” And Adam’s (right) response would have been, should have been, could have been (wish it was..) YES. God did say that- and thank you for reminding us.
It is written: ~ For the word of God is living and all-efficient, and much sharper than a double edged sword, and it pierces to the separation of soul and spirit and of joints, marrow and of bones, and judges the reasoning and conscience of the heart ~ (Hebrews 4.12) – and of course- there is more.. (always more)
Did you know, were you aware:- “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God?”- and that ~ without faith it is impossible to please God? ~ Gotta ask tho’- where does he come up with this stuff?
Voila! out of thin air? No, not at all. These very words were found in a Book. The Book God wrote.. but wait!- there is more.. (always more..)
(it is written) ~ And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times ~ (Psalm 12.6) And from Psalm/Song #1 (in the Hebrew hymnal)
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on His law (torah) day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
The word of the LORD via Joshua: ~ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do ~ (Joshua 1.8)
What are God’s instructions to a young man in need of guidance?
Do I need to say it? – I think I shall, for I’m rather fond of these three words: yes, -“it is written”
~ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed (listening attentively) thereto according to Thy word. (Psalm 119.9) But.. -is there more? (still with me?) – shall we travel on? Love these green pastures- to review,remember, revive and rejoice.. YES. Thank you, – God did say..
(again and again-“it is written”) ~ Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path ~ (Psalm 119.105)
Is there more? Are we done yet? Still doubting? Shall we continue? Please.. Let’s! We have all day today and the rest of our lives.. Halllelujah!- God has spoken.
~ God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? ~ (Numbers 23.19)
In God we trust.
~ For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope (confident assurance) is from Him ~ (Psalm 62.5)
~ Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you ~ (Psalm 116.7)
Oh, one more thing.. (just one?) – according to the scriptures (that’s how we roll..) ~ to die is gain..~ Death is a good thing, but that is another story for another day..
~ But now The Messiah is risen from among the dead and is the first fruits of those who sleep ~ -there is God’s promise of more to follow.. (again, always more!)
~ and when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted ~
(Matthew 28.17)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6YCgNik0UM
“but some doubted”
Praise God, brother Carl, — not you, not Me!
I BELIEVE IN EVERY WORD OF GOD!
I BELIVE HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PUT IT INTO OUR HANDS FREE OF ERROR!
I do not need eyes to see–if today they were put out, I’d still see the everlasting glory of the Lord.
Maybe you don’t understand it, and apparently you do not, but since God said (thru Jeremiah) he dies in peace, you can bet on it, he died in peace. Perhaps not your style of peace, or your definition, — but you don’t know the man’s heart or what bothered him or for how long.
Despite vast education and all manner of experience, there is still plenty above your head as this small point shows. (no one is exempt from this fact)
*disclaimer
I promise my comment is not to insult you or with intention of giving offence.
*disclaimer
–I promise my comment is not to insult you or with intention of giving offence.–
it is not about me, nor my “considered opinions”, neither is it the popular “God said it, I believe it- that settles it.” God said it- it is so (as in amen) whether “I” believe it or not! If God said it, (and He did) then it is so – regardless of whether this man (me) believes it or not! We will never have a “settled faith” until we come to the conclusion and conviction .. this is no “ordinary book” The words He speaks, they are breath and they are life” ~ Your words were found, and I did eat them and they became unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart for I (too) am called by your Name- O LORD of hosts ~
Dorothy,
I am insulted on Skip’s behalf! I am tired of reading your snide remarks and comments. Differing opinions are fine but you can’t seem to state yours without belittling others. STOP IT.
Well, Sandra, I’ll ask you to forgive me (on Skip’s behalf), since you are offended on his behalf.
I EVEN if I go out of my way to promise I’m not insulting him. (not trying to).
Plenty people have “perfection” in their lives & every reason for happiness, but are not happy.
So then do some have every conceivable outward appearance of peace, but do not have it.
I am trying to strike a recognizable cord with those who assent to this state of mind, never mind the circumstances of life.
Seeing I believe God, I actually took great comfort in today’s lesson, — true, reverse of how it is presented. My comfort comes from knowing that Zedekiah was able to die in peace (as God says) despite the manner of physical death. I never connected the two before today.
I believe all the martyrs, past and present, die in peace as well, even in thru fires or by lions teeth. When God gives peace, it can’t be taken away. To me that is worth a few hallelujahs.
Hallelujah. Hallelujah. and Hallelujah! Praise to the God who is, (and always will be). “When God gives peace, it can’t be taken away.” (one more time..) Hallelujah!
If the past postings are any indicators of how Skip tends to “lay” something out, I would wager that this lesson isn’t completed as of yet.
Hence the “define shalom” (with a smiley face)
I am breaking down the section of scripture that says, “behold the man has become as one of us knowing good and evil.” and it’s not about the difference between good and evil as we understand it as much about knowing about weaving together and breaking apart and God’s ability to determine the nessesity(?) and the timing of those things. An interesting correlation to this portion of scripture.
Oh, Robert, I almost missed this: ‘define peace’
You caught my interest.
end of conflict
no anxiety
free from disturbances
accord
absence of fear (any kind, but ultimately of the king of terrors, death)
reconciliation (ultimately to God, then others)
What’s your understanding of it?
What have you learned about it connected to this portion of Scripture?
I’m interested to hear.
Peter Tosh – Equal Rights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKy6q5NM9ao
Everyone is crying out for peace, yes
None is crying out for justice
Everyone is crying out for peace, yes
None is crying out for justice
I don’t want no peace
I need equal rights and justice
I need equal rights and justice
I need equal rights and justice
Got to get it, equal rights and justice
Everybody want to go to heaven
But nobody want to die (father us Jesus)
Everybody want to go up to heaven
But none of them, none of them want to die
I don’t want no peace
I man need equal rights and justice
I’ve got to get it, equal rights and justice
I really need it, equal rights and justice
Just give me my share, equal rights and justice
What is due to Caesar
You better give it on to Caesar Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
And what belong to I and I
You better, you better give it up to I
Cause I don’t want no peace
I need equal rights and justice
I need equal rights and justice
I’ve got to get it, equal rights and justice
I’m a fighting for it, equal rights and justice
Everyone heading for the top
But tell me how far is it from the bottom
Nobody know, but everybody fighting to reach the top
How far is it from the bottom
I don’t want no peace
I want equal rights and justice
I need equal rights and justice
I’ve got to get it, equal rights and justice
I really need it, equal rights and justice
Everyone is talking about crime
Tell me who are the criminals
I said everybody is talking about crime, crime
Tell me who, who are the criminals
I really don’t see them
I don’t want no peace
I need equal rights and justice
We’ve got to get equal rights and justice
And there’ll be no crime, equal rights and justice
There’ll be no criminals, equal rights and justice
Everyone is fighting for equal rights and justice
Palestine is fighting for equal rights and justice
Down in Angola, equal rights and justice
Down in Botswana, equal rights and justice
Down in Zimbabwe, equal rights and justice
Down in Rhodesia, equal rights and justice
Right here in Jamaica, equal rights and justice
Anybody better be careful crying for justice — what if God takes you up on it??? Lol
Lord, give me MERCY not justice! Please, please, Oh, please, be merciful to me, a sinner.
I could live with justice and don’t typically ask for mercy
Though I see your point 🙂
Thy will be done
When I see the word peace I instantly remember the paleo Hebrew word picture for shalom.
שלום
The sheen ש is a picture of teeth and represents destruction or to devour.
The lamed ל is a staff ,rod or shepherds goad and represents control or authority.
The vav ו is a hook or nail that joins two things together.
The mem is water representing chaos.
So the word picture shows us that Shalom/ peace comes when we destroy the authority that is joined to, or establishes if you will, chaos. Isn’t that exactly what Yeshua will do when He returns? I love Paleo Hebrew word pictures 🙂
Yes, Pam, pretty neat picture! thanks for sharing.
It fits well with current study on John.
His message “… preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins”.
I’ll make a half-stitch attempt to explain how it seems to fit for me.
Since John was preparing the way for the Word, final speech of God to men, in His Son, [and a little study up on the national conditions at that time — hegemony of Tiberius Caesar–Annas was the High Priest but Caipus was put in his place– but that not of Divine economy], and the One with authority to forgive sins and to destroy the self-centered rule of the day was about to begin His ministry…well, you know the passages.
So in essence this is what Yeshua did on the ‘first trip’, too, don’t you think?
It fits in my mind, I would have to write too long to dove-tail the reflection.
Anyway I will copy/paste your word picture with my John notes.
Dorothy, I’ll write a little piece about the word “shalom” and post it here (or somewhere else). It’s an interesting word and probably not what we think of as “peace or wholeness. It’ll take a little time that I don’t have available at the moment, but I’ll see if I can put it together by this weekend. As you can see, I’m not interested in the definition of “peace” but rather “shalom. It’s not the same. (not even close!!)
Robert, I shall look for it when you have the time.
Hi Dorothy
Also have a look at TW: In Tune and Risk:Reflections on peacemakers
As Pam said , shalom is to destroy the leader of chaos – then peacemakers are always in the center of the battlefield – getting it from both sides (just like Yehua?)!
Also in Skip’s beatitudes, he defines meekness as domesticated power(like a trained horse) and not being a wall-flower. And if I can just do these two in my life (which I do not, yet!!), I guess I’ll be ready for a battle or 2, for everyone is always looking how to do spiritual warfare.
And in context of Matthew and Isaiah 9:6, this may also redefines why the Messiah was born and what peace means to God and not to us?
Luzette, thank you– I only hope I’m posting where you will see.
I will read the TWs you mention.
I have heard Skip’s beatitudes.
Harnessed power is how the church describes meekness as well.
Yes, everyone IS looking for how to do spiritual warfare. (Prayer is warfare!)
From the comfort of your home you can send the ultimate in sophisticated smart-bombs to destroy the works of the devil! Daily prayers to lift barriers in closed cultures where the Bible is banned and witness pay with their lives or freedom.
A blessed thing is this, we have the Holy Spirit to help us know how to pray, know what to ask, how to wage winning war, and He prays on our behalf when we can’t find words. He can. He cleans up our prayers an presents them an acceptable and sweet offering at the throne. Praise to the Lamb!
An example you may have heard already (but its still a good one): If we weren’t worth a hoot at playing tennis, but needed to, what if a tennis champion moved inside our body and did it FOR us? We’d have no fear of failure or being beat then!
Sorry for the delayed response, it was an extremely busy week. I cut it way down for space and brevity. Here ya go! 🙂
When I break down a word for it’s meaning, there are several methods I “personally” use and I do so on the basis that they’re consistent with the patterns constantly revealed to us in scripture. In other words, the way a story unfolds, is the same way a sentence unfolds, is the same way a word unfolds. Besides these methods, I’ve found that keeping in mind that a word doesn’t inherently have either a “good” or “bad” connotation but rather is neutral in and of itself, is a huge help. (it takes some time and getting used to)
These are the methods I have found useful to get at the “activity” behind a word (or word picture). First is the “midst” of the word, which of course only works on a 3 letter root. The concept comes from the theme in scripture that the item of importance is always in the “middle” or midst of the narrative. A good example of this is the tree in the “middle” of the garden, to God, it was the tree of life while to Eve, it was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you’re a bit more schooled in Hebrew, it’s interesting to note that in the opening salvo of scripture, “in-the-beginning created elohim (et) the-heavens and(et) the earth.” it’s the aleph-tav or “et” that holds that place. Anyhoo… in regards to “shalom” S-L-W-M, (from S-L-M) it’s the lamed (L) which is a picture of a Sheppard’s staff. It represents a prodding or guiding as well as protection. So the heart of the word is about teaching and/or learning and correction, as well as about protection. That might surprise you now, but it won’t when we dig a little deeper.
One of the other “methods” is the parent-child root, which translates to this, the first 2 letters are the parent and the last is the “offspring” that takes the “strength” of the word in a particular direction. Some scriptural types are Adam, Cain, Seth and Israel who said to Rueben, “you are my firstborn the beginning of my strength…” and consider the proverb that says, “children are as arrows…” The most fruitful way I’ve found out to discover what the 2 letter “parent” root represents is to look at all the words that start with those 2 letters and find the commonality.
With the root of shalom, which is S-L-M, it goes something like this. Shin (S) = consuming, devouring, destruction, followed by Lamed (L) =to lead or goad, teach and/or learn, protect. So the S-L root is to devour-toward and to show you the “dual” side look at these combinations.
From the Strongs concordance;
Just using the consonants, S-L doesn’t stand on it’s own anywhere (that I’m aware of) so the first one I usually look for is the one with added emphasis. (to repeat something is to add strength to it, such as “truly, truly (amein, amein) I say to you…)
S-L (L) – to drop or strip / a prey or spoil
S-L ( H) (to do or make S-L “fruitful“ ) to be tranquil, secure, happy, etc. and in another form to mislead/deceive or to be negligent.
S-L (CH) (the pictograph for “chet” (C-H) is a fence to denote separation) a spear OR a shoot of a branch. Or a fountain (in Jerusalem). The plural of this is “many javelins or sprouts and the activity (with a nun) is a spread table or a meal.
The funny thing is, when you look at all the S-L words, they almost seem contrary to each other as to have no relationship. That’s part of the discovery process of the Hebrew language. Here’s what I found. The “shin” represents teeth. So the “destruction” that it represents isn’t destruction just for it’s own sake but rather destruction towards nourishment or enhancement. Just as when you chew and eat food, you destroy it but for the purpose of nourishment. (see if you can figure out why the S-L-H root means to be secure and happy and also means to deceive/be negligent. And how to “deceive/negligent can be in a positive way).
Isn’t this what God did at the creation account? He broke up the creation into it’s component parts to make it fruitful or to enhance it? And isn’t this what Messiah will do on His return (as Pam said above) to destroy to make fruitful.
So to conclude (sort of) what did God mean when He told Zedekiah that he would die in “shalom” ? One of the nuances is that the process of destroying to bring “peace or happiness” wouldn’t cease until his death. Read Psms. 73, the psalmist says that it’s the wicked that have peace that looks like tranquility and being carefree. That’s what almost made him stumble, he had to struggle. Yeshua said that He gives us “His peace”, not the peace of the “world”. That’s true peace, to know that God loves His people enough to destroy the things that need to be destroyed in us, not for ourselves but for His purposes and His kingdom. “THY kingdom come, THY will be done..” Can we say with Job, “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
(that’s not quite what it says, but it’ll do for the moment) I find it interesting that God tells Abraham pretty much the same thing. (Gen. 15) Abrahams impatience, amongst other things caused much animosity and grief between his children. He saw that play out in his lifetime with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. How much heartache do you think that caused him until the day he died? Yet it says he died, “old aged, good (towb) aged and satisfied (Shaba-similar to “shabat). Gen. 25. Here’s something that Job DID say, “also He will be to me salvation, for not before Him an ungodly one shall come.”
Shalom is the process that God uses to prepare us to face Him.
I’ll leave you with something to think about. (just in case you don’t have anything else to do) There are a few words in Hebrew that are “dual” as opposed to plural. One of them is “heavens” because there’s 2 heavens, another is “Egypt” or mitzariym (?) also because there are 2. Jerusalem is another. There’s a Jerusalem that is at present filled with chaos and bloodshed and “of this world” and there’s the Jerusalem that is the city of God and His people. (btw, John’s Revelation, in consistency with the prophets, declare that it’s the “city” that is the bride, not the people. Check it out, but it means we would have to find out what a “city” is to understand that. That’s a different study) So what does it mean to pray for the “shalom” of Jerusalem?
Destruction for enhancement-toward/learning/connected/ chaos/unknown multitudes Shalom!!
in regards to “shalom” S-L-W-M, (from S-L-M) it’s the lamed (L) which is a picture of a Sheppard’s staff. It represents a prodding or guiding as well as protection.
Hi Robert,
Very interesting decoding exercise and fun to read
Long before I heard the Hebrew word “shalom” I was familiar with the Hindu word Om
Om is the sacred sound of the universe, that which created all; shanti is peace
My untutored mind took the Sha from the Hindu word for peace
Then took the Om from the sacred sound of the universe
Then thought the Hebrew word Shalom meant
The sacred sound of the universe that brings peace
Which is what I found when I focused on the deep breathing sound Shalom
And listened to the sound of my breath as it went between my teeth
Then Skip introduced me to a book, where I found the meaning of L to be Ox Goad
And Shin to be tooth
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_Om_Shanti_Om#ixzz24uIe5cjG
Who says that languages don’t have a common origion!! 🙂
In spite of the general schooled opinions, I find otherwise. I guess it’s what you’re looking for. We all did come from the same family, even though we did get “babeled”.
Consonatly maybe (?) Om- related to the MEM of Elohim, denoting the God (El) of creation. In the beginning was the word…all things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made. All creation exists because of a WORD, (sound)
Shanti- (Shin-nun-tav) consuming toward benefit-activity (of)-toward the final mark Not completed yet). Perhaps it’s not so far off after all!!
Robert, I really like this! And wow, you took a lot of time you barely had. Thank you. (personally I never have those too-busy-to-breathe weeks, Lol, don’t know what you are talking about!)
This is not totally new to me, my Pastor does a bit of this here and there. Also some evangelists I listen to on the radio go into this on certain sermons.
I have copied and pasted it to a folder so I can go over it more. Can’t give you ANY answer right now, lol.
You posed one trial: >>see if you can figure out why the S-L-H root means to be secure and happy and also means to deceive/be negligent. And how to “deceive/negligent can be in a positive way.<<
My wild guess for now:
Part 1 — Safe–when it is paid off, there will be peace
Part 2 — double negative, so something like 'No, its too early to judge your situation–things are not as the seem' such as you're hurt, but you don't yet know how well this will work out and you will finally rejoice. (This I take from Mary and Martha's attitude at Lazarus death). Final outworking would be, from a double negative we will be "filled with wonder."
Thanks again for all your effort. I'm sure I'm not the only one who enjoyed it.
… and one more time — Hallelujah!
Lets review; and Who is it that gives peace? I hope a goodly crowd shouted with me: The Prince of Peace, Yeshua.
And what does this scarred old world and everyone in it need desperately — ah, yes, we were just speaking His Holy Name.
Iran’s leaders are yet again threatening to turn Israel into a pile of ashes, — really hoping to not even leave that much. Israel is telling their people to remain on alert and prepared for war. Syria is a total mess. The Muslim Brotherhood is all powerful (temp) in Egypt, crucifying their enemies (literally), and has sent tanks and troops into the Sinai Desert.
The eyes of the nations are riveted on Israel, (actually who ever stopped looking at that prophetic clock?) Israel is the epicenter of events that are shaking our world. I believe God is moving things into place for the final showdown. (Look up, your redemption draws nigh)
Followers of of Yeshua/Jesus Christ need to be praying for and blessing Israel in the name of Yeshua/Jesus.
I am not of the “replacement theology,” that some would like to think all the church adheres to, — I know Israel is Israel and the church is the church. [because I can read.]
God keeps His promises, says what He means, and means what He says.
And what peace, and abiding joy, that brings to my ♥ !
We can trust the Lord. We can trust the Lord. We can trust the Lord. Forever and ever and ever. And after that as well. (smile)
Baruch Hashem Adonai כבוד שם יהוה
Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Perhaps it is more simply just a contrast between “by the sword” and “in peace”. One denotes death in battle and one does not.
I’ve read all that you have written, and it seems to me that we are missing a relevant variable. Zedekiah dies in prison, but no where does it say that he had not found peace or reconciliation with his creator. Zedekiah was blind physically, but maybe that helped him see a way back to his beloved. My hope is that he repented and was restored.
Yes I realize I am reading into the text, but maybe that is a zod and what we are meant to do.
~ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them ~ (Acts 16.25)
Is our “shalom” based upon location? Is it possible to have (for God to give) “shalom” even while in prison? or working somewhere in what one would consider to be a “dirty job?” (It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it..). Should we then, move to a monastery, where we can sit cross-legged all day and breath the “ommm?” -it is rather relaxing..- and I can certainly envision a nicer place than where I currently am.
Happiness no doubt is based on our happenstance- what happens to us, and “prison” no doubt in this man’s mind is not what I would call a “happy place..”. (with me so far?)
Inquiring minds (like me) would like to know what would “inspire” (an interesting word) Paul and Silas at midnight, (an interesting time of day) to sing and give praises to God- right there “in the midst” of a dark and stanky Roman prison? -and the scriptures also add (I wonder why)- “the other prisoners heard them.”
Is it possible to have “shalom” even in the midst of a storm? There was ONE in the boat, with the taludim in the midst of the storm. He spoke, (amazing what God can do when He speaks, isn’t it?) to the storm and said? (in Hebrew, no doubt) “Shalom.” (- and oh the joy that filled my soul!) – the disciples were amazed. “Awed” would be a better word. -“Shock and awe..”
May we review the fruits of the Spirit/Ruach?
~ but the fruits of The Spirit/Ruach are love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness, goodness, faith.. ~ (Galatians 5.22)
Is there more? – without question..- amein! (it is so..)
I will sing praise, I will lift my voice,
I will sing praise, I’ve made my choice.
I will sing praise in all I do.
I will sing praise to You.
No matter the storms that come my way,
No matter the trials I may face,
You promised that you would see me through,
So, I will trust in You.
The flame shall not hurt thee I only design
-thy dross to remove and thy gold to refine.
Let’s return to a perfectly heated furnace, where three young Hebrew men were sentenced to die. Was this considered to be (in our humble opinions) a “happy place?”- or a place of “shalom?” Wasn’t there, (he inquired) a fourth Man in the fire? (Now Who would this be?) Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego, these three have a history with God, – these are the ones who have been “through” the fire.. and the ropes that once held them bound? burned off,- and gone. Up in smoke..
I just gotta wonder, how did this “event” impact them when they emerged unscathed and not even smelling like smoke? A new attitude?- do you think? Did these three have a testimony to tell? You know, come to think of it.. I have heard it said, “no test,- no testimony!” – things that make me say hmmm. My conclusion? God did this. (lol!)
King David wrote these words (I wonder if these were “inspired?”) ~ It is good for me that I have been afflicted ~ Good? – What kind of “shalom” is produced by affliction? Did our Savior suffer? There is a purpose to our pain? What kind of a ‘random’ God is this? – or is He “purposeful” in everything He does, says and is? Perfect in love-in power and purity. You know.. , “it is written..”- ~ He does “all things” well..~
– “all things”-are according to Your plan.. ADONAI- amein!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqYlKgpf9zU