Pastor's Pen

Yahweh-Shalom: The Lord is Peace

The Israelites lived in constant fear of their enemies, the Midianites, who were so powerful that they forced Israel to hide in caves. These Midianites would frequently raid Israel, stealing food and livestock, leaving the people terrified and desperate.

You might wonder why Yahweh-Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts—the same God who commands heavenly armies and hosts of angels—would allow this. The answer lies in understanding God as El Kana, the Jealous God. Yahweh demanded exclusive worship, but Israel had turned away, building altars to Baal and Asherah poles in defiance of His commands.

God’s response was not immediate rescue but discipline. He allowed Israel's enemies to triumph, their food to be stolen, and their peace to be shattered—all to draw them back to Himself. Israel’s struggles were not just physical battles but spiritual consequences of their disobedience and idolatry.

When their suffering became unbearable, the Israelites finally cried out to God, acknowledging their need for Him as their Strong Tower. In response, God sent a prophet to confront them with their sins of idolatry and disobedience, and He sent an angel to commission a man named Gideon, saying:

“Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” (Judges 6:14)

Gideon’s initial response was far from enthusiastic. Instead, he was filled with doubt and fear, saying, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” But God reassured him, saying, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:15-16, ESV).

Despite Yahweh-Shammah, the Lord who is always present, promising to help him, Gideon’s fear persisted. He sought a sign to confirm that God was truly with him, hoping it would bring peace amid his daunting task. Gideon prepared an offering of meat and bread, and when the angel touched it with his staff, fire consumed the offering instantly—an undeniable display of God’s power and presence. This miraculous sign brought Gideon the peace he needed, calming his fears and affirming God’s presence. In response, Gideon built an altar and named it Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord is Peace.

But God’s work with Gideon didn’t stop there. That very night, God instructed Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. Gideon obeyed, demonstrating his commitment to Yahweh, El Kana, the Jealous God who demands exclusive worship.

This was only the beginning of how God would use Gideon. He led Israel to victory over the Midianites, but not with a large army. God reduced Gideon’s forces from 22,000 to just 300 men—a small number that highlighted the enormity of God’s power. The army was tiny, but God is El Shaddai, God Almighty, who doesn’t need large numbers to achieve His purposes.

Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord is Peace, granted Israel victory and peace with their enemies, but His peace extends far beyond just winning battles. He offers His children inner peace—a calmness of heart that dispels fear and worry. However, this peace doesn’t come automatically; it requires us to turn to Him, our Strong Tower, and trust in His strength, goodness, and wisdom.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Beyond inner calm, there is an even deeper peace that Yahweh-Shalom provides—peace with God Himself. Every person is born in rebellion against God, choosing their own way over His. But through the cross, Yahweh-Shalom made peace possible. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die so that we, who were once enemies of God, could be reconciled to Him.

When you place your trust in Jesus as your Savior, God removes your rebellious heart and replaces it with one that is at peace with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross secures this peace, allowing us to be in right relationship with God—a peace far greater than any worldly comfort or security.

Trusting in Jesus is the pathway to experiencing true and lasting peace, not just in life’s circumstances, but in the depths of your soul.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)