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The basic meaning of "peace" is unmistakable. Peace is impossible without "making
amends". "The work of righteousness shall be peace." This matter is so vital that we
trust the reader will not begrudge the time spent in making this essential feature even
clearer. Let us consider one or two other passages.
In Lev. 5: 16 we read: "He shall make amends for the harm that he hath done." Here
again the word is shalam. We also find it translated "requite" in Judges 1: 7, "finish" in
I Kings 9: 25, "recompense" in Isa. 65: 6, and "perfect" in Isa. 42: 19. As an
adjective shalem is translated "full" (Gen. 15: 16), "whole" (Deut. 27: 6), and "just"
(Prov. 11: 1).
Turning back to John 16:, we find that the Saviour adds to His bequest the words:
"Not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (John 16: 27). It was the custom of the world
to include the word "peace" in its salutations. Heathen kings used this form of salutation,
as we find in Ezra and Daniel (Ezra 4: 17; 5: 7; Dan. 4: 1; 6: 25), but it was not in
their power to establish true peace either among men, or with God. True peace is the
result of satisfactory settlement, and when used in connection with God and man
necessitates the sacrificial work of Christ. This we must look into later, but before
closing the present article, which is mainly concerned with the true meaning of "peace",
let us see what words are used to indicate its opposite, so that we may obtain as full a
view of the word as possible.
In the first place, "peace" is naturally contrasted with "war":
"I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war" (Psa. 120: 7).
"I came not to send peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10: 34).
It is also contrasted with evil, and compared with good:
"Depart from evil and do good: seek peace and pursue it" (Psa. 34: 14).
"Thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jer. 29: 11).
"Peace" is also placed in contrast with "anxiety":
"Be anxious for nothing . . . . . and the peace of God . . . . . shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 6, 7).
Moreover, "peace" enables the believer to endure without being offended
(Matt. 11: 2-6):
"Great peace have they which love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them"
(Psa. 119: 165).
In our next article we must consider more definitely the grounds of our peace. We
know enough already, however, to be able to praise God for a peace that is something
more than quietness, resulting from a finished work, and a settlement that satisfies all the
demands of righteousness.