Introduction: Blessed Are the Peacemakers in the Bible
In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude emphasizes the unique blessing and calling of those who actively work to bring peace, reflecting the heart of God as they reconcile conflicts and foster understanding. The Old Testament is rich with verses that echo this theme, highlighting the importance of living in harmony and extending peace to others. Here are 10 Old Testament verses that demonstrate the significance of peacemaking.
Use Bible Gateway to review the scriptures below in more depth.
1. Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages a proactive approach to peace, urging us to seek and pursue it actively, which aligns closely with Jesus’ call to be peacemakers.
2. Proverbs 12:20 (NIV)
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
The Bible connects peacemaking with joy, showing that working for peace leads to a fulfilling, joyful life and brings happiness to others.
3. Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”
This verse celebrates those who spread peace, recognizing their role as messengers of God’s love and salvation.
4. Proverbs 16:7 (NIV)
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
Peacemaking has a divine aspect, as God himself works to bring peace when people live in ways that honor Him.
5. Psalm 85:10 (NIV)
“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
This poetic imagery conveys the harmony of righteousness and peace, reflecting God’s desire for a world where justice and peace coexist.
6. Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Here, God calls His people to seek peace even in foreign lands, teaching that peacemaking benefits both the peacemaker and the broader community.
7. Zechariah 8:16 (NIV)
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.”
Peacemaking involves truth and justice, as speaking truthfully and judging fairly creates a foundation for lasting peace.
8. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This prophecy about the Messiah reveals God’s ultimate plan for peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who brings divine harmony to the world.
9. Psalm 120:7 (NIV)
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges of being a peacemaker, especially when others may not share the same commitment to peace.
10. Micah 4:3 (NIV)
“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Micah’s vision of peace reflects God’s ultimate intention for a world without conflict, where all nations live in harmony.
Explaining “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Through These Verses
The Old Testament underscores the beauty and importance of peacemaking, encouraging believers to seek, pursue, and promote peace. Verses like Psalm 34:14 and Proverbs 12:20 show that peace is a quality actively sought, and those who work for it experience joy and fulfillment. Isaiah 52:7 beautifully captures the role of a peacemaker as a bearer of good news, while Proverbs 16:7 reveals that peacemaking can lead even one’s enemies to reconciliation.
In Jeremiah 29:7, we see that peacemaking isn’t limited to familiar surroundings. God calls His people to seek peace wherever they are, contributing to the well-being of their communities. The Old Testament also shows that peacemaking is deeply connected to truth and justice, as seen in Zechariah 8:16. Ultimately, the verses above reveal that peacemaking aligns believers with God’s purpose and plan, pointing to the Prince of Peace who will bring ultimate harmony.
Conclusion: The Old Testament Foundation for “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
“Blessed are the peacemakers” is a call rooted deeply in the Old Testament teachings. By pursuing peace, believers not only align themselves with God’s heart but also reflect His presence in the world. The verses in Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, and Micah remind us that peace is a divine characteristic that brings joy, justice, and prosperity. As we practice peacemaking, we embody our identity as children of God, reflecting His love and purpose in our lives. Those who pursue peace truly show that they are blessed as the pure-hearted children of God.