Rabbi Jose the Galilean taught that great is peace, since even in a time of war, one should begin with peace, as , says, "When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it." Similarly, reading , a Midrash exclaimed how great the power of peace is, for God directed that we should offer peace even to antagonists. Thus the Sages taught that we must inquire about the welfare of other nations in order to keep the peace.