What was Jehovah-shalom?

Jehovah-shalom (Hebrew: יְהוָ֥ה שָׁל֖וֹם – YHWH Shalom) means “The LORD is Peace.” This compound name of God appears in Judges 6:24, not Judges 4, and is uniquely attributed to an altar built by Gideon after a divine encounter with the Angel of the LORD. The name reveals a deep truth about God’s nature—that He is the source of true peace in the midst of fear, conflict, and chaos. Though not a person or place in the traditional sense, Jehovah-shalom stands as a theological declaration by Gideon and serves as a powerful testimony to the character of God.

Where is Jehovah-shalom Found in the Bible?

Jehovah-shalom appears in Judges 6:24, which says:

“So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” (NIV)

This event takes place during the time of the Judges, a spiritually and morally turbulent era in Israel‘s history when the people repeatedly turned from God and faced oppression from surrounding nations. The Midianites were the primary oppressors at the time of Gideon. God raised Gideon as a deliverer, and during his commissioning, Gideon feared he might die because he had seen the Angel of the LORD face to face. God reassured him, saying, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die” (Judges 6:23). In response, Gideon built the altar and named it Jehovah-shalom.

Cross-References

• Genesis 16:13 – Hagar names God El Roi, “the God who sees,” after a divine encounter.

• Exodus 3:14 – God reveals Himself to Moses as I AM WHO I AM, affirming His eternal self-existence.

• Isaiah 9:6 – The promised Messiah is called the “Prince of Peace.”

• John 14:27 – Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”

• Philippians 4:7 – The peace of God surpasses all understanding.

Explanation of What Happened

Gideon was threshing wheat in secret to avoid detection by the Midianites when the Angel of the LORD appeared and called him a “mighty warrior.” Despite Gideon‘s hesitations and feelings of inadequacy, God called him to lead Israel to victory. During this calling, Gideon became fearful, especially after realizing he had seen the Angel of the LORD face to face. In the Old Testament, seeing God was believed to bring certain death due to His holiness (cf. Exodus 33:20). But God calmed Gideon‘s fears with a word of peace.

This encounter was so significant that Gideon memorialized it with an altar named Jehovah-shalom. It was more than a name—it was a declaration of the character of God. Even in the midst of national crisis and personal fear, God is peace.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The name Jehovah-shalom reminds believers that peace is not found in the absence of problems, but in the presence of God. Like Gideon, Christians today may find themselves overwhelmed by external battles or internal fear, but the peace of God is still available.

Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament revelation, embodies this peace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus brings reconciliation between God and man (Romans 5:1). He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). Gideon’s altar points forward to the ultimate peace offered in Christ, who, unlike a temporary judge, delivers once and for all.

How Jehovah-shalom Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The altar of Jehovah-shalom is a shadow of the cross. While Gideon built an altar because he encountered the Angel of the LORD and was spared, Christians look to the cross where the full wrath of God was satisfied and where peace was made possible for sinners.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), not only offering peace with God (Romans 5:1), but also the peace of God (Philippians 4:7). His sacrificial work reconciles sinful humanity with a holy God, achieving what no earthly judge or altar could do permanently.

The peace declared at Gideon’s altar is fully realized in Jesus Christ, who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). This is not merely emotional calm, but the holistic peace—shalom—that includes wholeness, right relationship with God, and eternal security.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Throughout Scripture, God consistently brings peace to His people amid trials. From Noah’s ark to Daniel’s lions’ den, and from the cross to the empty tomb, peace is a divine gift rooted in the presence of God.

2. God Revealing His Character Through His Names

The names of God in the Old Testament are not just titles but revelations of His character. Jehovah-jireh (The LORD Will Provide), Jehovah-nissi (The LORD is My Banner), and Jehovah-shalom all point to specific aspects of His nature that are fulfilled in Christ.

3. God Uses the Weak to Accomplish His Will

Gideon’s fear and weakness did not disqualify him from being used by God. Instead, God’s peace emboldened him. This is echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

4. The Presence of God is the Source of True Peace

The Bible teaches that peace comes not from favorable circumstances, but from God’s presence. The greatest expression of this is Jesus, who is “God with us” (Emmanuel).

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways are you seeking peace apart from God?

2. Have you ever experienced God’s peace in the midst of chaos like Gideon did?

3. What does the name Jehovah-shalom reveal about God’s heart for His people?

4. How can you rely more on Jesus, the Prince of Peace, in your daily struggles?

5. What “altars” or reminders can you build in your life to remember God’s faithfulness and peace?

Jehovah-shalom is more than a name; it is a testimony. A testimony that in a world of fear, oppression, and weakness, the Lord Himself is our peace. And that peace is ultimately and eternally found in Jesus Christ.