1 Chronicles 14:11
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David doesn't just name the place Baal-perazim to commemorate his victory; he frames the entire event as God's powerful breakthrough. The way David exclaims "God has broken through" highlights his deep dependence on God's power, not just his own skill. This isn't just a personal triumph; it's a testament to divine intervention, powerfully illustrated by the imagery of a bursting flood.
And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David has just become king over all Israel and is eager to establish Jerusalem as his capital. The Philistines, hearing of his rise, launch an attack against him, and this passage describes David's first major military victory as unified king, where he attributes his success directly to God's intervention. This triumph sets the stage for David's subsequent efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in his reign.
David faces a formidable enemy, but his victory isn't just about his own strength. It's a divine intervention that reshapes the very meaning of a place.
The Name Reveals the Source
The place was called Baal-Perazim, which means 'Lord of Breakthroughs' or 'Master of Breakings-Through.' David names it this immediately after the battle. This isn't just a geographical marker; it's a theological declaration.
David explicitly says, 'God has broken through my enemies by my hand.' He gives glory to God, recognizing that the victory was a divine act of breaking through obstacles. The 'bursting flood' imagery emphasizes the overwhelming, unstoppable nature of God's power unleashed on David's behalf.
David didn't just win a battle; he infused the very landscape with a divine truth. What does it mean to name places, or even moments, after God's actions?
Sacred Geography
In the Bible, naming is significant. When God changes a name (like Abram to Abraham) or when people name places after divine encounters, it marks a pivotal moment and establishes a memorial.
Baal-Perazim becomes a permanent reminder that God is the one who breaks through. David, by proclaiming the name, establishes a theological landmark. It's a lesson for future generations: when you pass this place, remember that the Lord is the God of breakthroughs. It's about actively remembering and proclaiming God's faithfulness in the tangible world.
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Understand the original words
Ba‘al Peratsim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title attributed to a location or deity meaning 'Lord of the breakings' or 'Master of breaches,' signifying where God decisively shattered the enemy. It celebrates God as the sovereign deliverer who breaks through obstacles.
’Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The primary personal name of the Creator God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His power, majesty, and role as the covenant-keeping Judge and Deliverer. It refers to the One who is above all and commands the forces of nature and history.
parats · Hebrew Verb
To break out or break through, often used in military contexts to describe a decisive rupture in enemy lines. It carries a sense of overwhelming, irresistible force, like a flood overcoming a barrier.
This victory at Baal-perazim was a crucial early moment for David's reign, establishing his military prowess and demonstrating God's direct intervention in securing the unified kingdom against a formidable enemy.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
David is anointed king of Judah in Hebron, but faces opposition from the north.
c. 1003 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After years of struggle, David finally unites all the tribes of Israel under his rule, establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 1003 BC
Philistines Attack Jerusalem
Shortly after becoming king of all Israel, the Philistines launch a major invasion, seeking to crush David's unified kingdom.
c. 1003 BC— this verse
David Defeats Philistines at Baal-perazim
David consults God and leads his army to victory against the Philistines at a place he renames Baal-perazim, meaning 'Lord of Breaking Through'.
c. 1002 BC
Philistines Attack Again
The Philistines regroup and attack again, this time approaching from a different direction.
c. 1002 BC
David's Second Victory
David again seeks God's guidance and achieves another decisive victory over the Philistines, driving them out of Israel.
Just as David declared 'God has broken through my enemies,' Moses declared 'The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be silent.'
Joshua 6:2This passage shows God's direct intervention in battle, similar to how David attributes his victory at Baal-perazim to God breaking through his enemies.
Psalm 18:29David reflects on God enabling him to overcome obstacles and enemies, echoing the sentiment of God breaking through by his hand as seen in 1 Chronicles.
Isaiah 43:2This prophecy speaks of God being with His people through difficult times, assuring them that He will break through obstacles for them, mirroring David's experience and declaration.
David doesn't just name the place Baal-perazim to commemorate his victory; he frames the entire event as God's powerful breakthrough. The way David exclaims "God has broken through" highlights his deep dependence on God's power, not just his own skill. This isn't just a personal triumph; it's a testament to divine intervention, powerfully illustrated by the imagery of a bursting flood.
David has just become king over all Israel and is eager to establish Jerusalem as his capital. The Philistines, hearing of his rise, launch an attack against him, and this passage describes David's first major military victory as unified king, where he attributes his success directly to God's intervention. This triumph sets the stage for David's subsequent efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in his reign.
David has just become king over all Israel and is eager to establish Jerusalem as his capital. The Philistines, hearing of his rise, launch an attack against him, and this passage describes David's first major military victory as unified king, where he attributes his success directly to God's intervention. This triumph sets the stage for David's subsequent efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in his reign.
"And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim." — David doesn't just name the place Baal-perazim to commemorate his victory; he frames the entire event as God's powerful breakthrough. The way David exclaims "God has broken through" highlights his de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
