Peace and Messiah

Therefore, say, “Behold I give him my covenant of peace (briti shalom).”                             Numbers 25:12

Ba’al haTurim notes that the gematriya of “shalom” equals “zehu Mashiaḥ” (this is Messiah), which my father explained can be understood in two ways:

1] true peace will be achieved with the arrival of Mashiaḥ;

2] achieving true peace will bring Mashiaḥ.

The two options are not mutually exclusive.

The second understanding relates to the prophecy of Zecharya (8:19):

Thus says the Lord of hosts: the fast of the fourth month (17 Tammuz), and the fast of the fifth (Tisha b’Av), and the fast of the seventh (the Fast of Gedalya) and the fast of the tenth (10 Tevet), shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness and cheerful seasons; therefore love you truth and peace (shalom).

Many of the classical commentators understand the phrase “love you truth and peace” to be the condition for turning the four fast days associated with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple into days of rejoicing. This is exactly Ba’al haTurim’s comment: when we achieve true peace, “zehu Mashiaḥ,” we will usher in the Messianic era. It is within our power to hasten the arrival of Mashiaḥ, should we act appropriately.