What other biblical examples show God granting peace to His faithful followers? Peace surrounding Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 20:30 anchors our study: “Then the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” The pattern—faithful reliance on the LORD followed by God-given rest—appears again and again. Rest after conquering Canaan • Joshua 21:44 – “And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as He had sworn to their fathers.” • Key thought: When Israel trusted God’s promises and obeyed His commands, peace replaced war. David: from fugitive to settled king • 2 Samuel 7:1 – “After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him…” • God’s covenant love moved from battlefield victories to quiet stability for His anointed. Solomon’s golden era • 1 Kings 4:24-25 – “For he had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates… and he had peace on every side. And during Solomon’s lifetime, Judah and Israel lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree.” • 1 Chronicles 22:9 echoes the promise: “Behold, a son will be born to you… I will grant him rest from all his enemies on every side.” • Wisdom and worship flourished because God held back threats. Cycles of quiet in the book of Judges Faithful judges called the nation back to the LORD; God answered with decades of tranquility. • Judges 3:11 – Othniel: “So the land had rest for forty years.” • Judges 3:30 – Ehud: “The land had rest for eighty years.” • Judges 5:31 – Deborah and Barak: “And the land had rest for forty years.” • Judges 8:28 – Gideon: “The land had rest for forty years in the days of Gideon.” Hezekiah’s deliverance • 2 Chronicles 32:22 – “So the LORD saved Hezekiah… and He gave them rest on every side.” • Trust during crisis led to supernatural protection and a season of peace. Personal shalom for the psalmists • Psalm 4:8 – “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” • Psalm 29:11 – “The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” Heart-level serenity mirrors the national rest God grants. Peace fulfilled and extended in Christ • John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.” • Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The same God who stilled wars now guards individual believers, making inner rest possible even in turmoil. Takeaway: the pattern holds Faith → obedience → God intervenes → peace. Whether for a nation, a king, a judge, or a single disciple, Scripture consistently shows the LORD delighting to grant rest to those who trust Him. |
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