How to Pronounce Yahweh-Shalom
Audio Pronunciation of Yahweh-Shalom
Phonetic Pronunciation of Yahweh-Shalom
YAH-weh-shuh-LOMHow to Say Yahweh-Shalom
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Introduction to Yahweh-Shalom
The name Yahweh-Shalom is one of the compound names of God found in the Old Testament, translating to “The Lord is Peace” or “The LORD is our Peace.” This divine name is deeply significant as it reveals a specific attribute of God’s character—His role as the source and sustainer of peace for His people. This name is revealed in a dramatic and spiritually profound moment in the book of Judges, and it continues to influence theological understanding of God's peace throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Yahweh-Shalom Pronunciation
“Yahweh-Shalom” is pronounced as YAH-way sha-LOME, with emphasis on the first syllable of “Yahweh” and the second syllable of “Shalom.”
Yahweh-Shalom in the Bible
The name "Yahweh-Shalom" appears explicitly only once in the Bible, in the story of Gideon:
- Judges 6:24: “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it Yahweh-Shalom. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.”
This encounter occurs at a time when Israel was suffering under Midianite oppression. Gideon, visited by the Angel of the Lord, receives the divine commission to deliver Israel. Despite his fears and feelings of inadequacy, he receives assurance and peace from the Lord. After realizing he has seen the Angel of the Lord face-to-face—a moment which usually led to fear of death—Gideon is told, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die” (Judges 6:23). In response, Gideon builds an altar and names it Yahweh-Shalom.
Theological and Symbolic Importance
The naming of the altar “Yahweh-Shalom” encapsulates a pivotal theological truth: true peace is not circumstantial but comes from the presence and reassurance of God. Even though the Israelites were in a time of national distress, Gideon recognized that God's presence brought inward peace amidst outward turmoil. The peace spoken of here is not just the absence of conflict but the Hebrew concept of shalom, which includes completeness, welfare, tranquility, and harmony.
Related Themes and Meanings to Yahweh-Shalom
- Shalom: This Hebrew word signifies more than just peace; it involves well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and harmony. It reflects the fullness of life as God intended it.
- Divine Revelation: Yahweh-Shalom is part of a broader tradition of God revealing aspects of His nature through compound names (e.g., Yahweh-Jireh, Yahweh-Rapha).
- God's Presence: The context of the name emphasizes that peace is rooted in God’s abiding presence and not in worldly circumstances.
- God’s Reassurance: In moments of divine commissioning or fear, God often responds with peace (cf. Exodus 33:14, John 14:27).
Yahweh-Shalom in Biblical Context and Broader Scripture
While the exact phrase “Yahweh-Shalom” is found only in Judges 6:24, the concept of God as the bringer of peace permeates the Bible:
- Isaiah 9:6: The Messiah is called the “Prince of Peace,” forecasting Christ’s future role in bringing ultimate peace.
- Numbers 6:24–26: The Aaronic blessing invokes God's peace: “The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
- John 14:27: Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
- Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Each of these passages reinforces that the peace God offers—whether through Yahweh in the Old Testament or through Christ in the New—is profound and life-altering.
Trivia and Interesting Facts about Yahweh-Shalom
- “Yahweh-Shalom” is one of several compound names of God used to reveal specific attributes of His character, like Yahweh-Rapha (“The Lord Who Heals”) or Yahweh-Jireh (“The Lord Will Provide”).
- In ancient Hebrew culture, building altars to commemorate divine encounters was common; Gideon's naming of the altar is significant because it preserves the memory of God's peace-giving character.
- The name Yahweh-Shalom is a testimony that God's peace can be experienced even before a battle is fought—Gideon names the altar before his victory, not after.
- The only time the phrase “Yahweh-Shalom” is used is in the days of the Judges—a time known for moral and societal chaos—highlighting the uniqueness of God's peace amid turmoil.
Conclusion
Yahweh-Shalom remains one of the most beloved names of God because it speaks to the human heart’s deep desire for peace—not merely the absence of conflict, but the fullness and harmony found only in relationship with God. Revealed to Gideon during a time of oppression, it still serves as a reminder that the Lord’s presence brings true peace in every generation.