And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David doesn't just see God as a general granting victory; he sees God as the breakthrough, the one who shattered his enemies like a devastating flood. This isn't just about God helping David win, but about God being the force that overwhelmed his opposition. The name Baal-perazim itself, meaning "Lord of the Breakthrough," underscores this profound, almost explosive, divine intervention.
And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right before this, the Philistines had invaded, and David, seeking God's guidance, was told to attack. After this victory, he's celebrating God's powerful intervention, even giving the place a new name that means "Lord of Breaking Through" to remember this win. This happens during David's early reign as king over all Israel, a time marked by establishing his rule and facing down enemies.
David faced overwhelming odds more than once. When he stood against the Philistines, he didn't just win; he saw God's direct intervention.
A Battle Won, A Name Earned
David’s victory at Baal-perazim wasn't just a military triumph; it was a divine revelation. The name 'Baal-perazim' itself means 'Lord of Breakthroughs' or 'Master of Breaches.' David recognized that his success wasn't due to his own might or strategy alone. He declared that the LORD had 'broken through' his enemies like a powerful, unstoppable flood.
This highlights a crucial truth: God's power is often most evident when our own strength is insufficient. He doesn't just help us win; He is the breakthrough.
Why did David feel the need to rename this place? What does it mean for us to 'name' our experiences with God?
Memorializing Divine Action
In ancient times, naming places was a significant act. It served as a public declaration and a lasting memorial. David didn't just win a battle; he established a permanent reminder of God's powerful intervention. 'Baal-perazim' became a name etched in stone, a testament to the LORD’s might in overcoming the Philistines.
This teaches us the importance of remembering and testifying to God's faithfulness. Just as David named the place, we too can create personal 'memorials' – through journaling, sharing testimonies, or even simple rituals – to recall how God has brought breakthroughs in our lives.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
Baal Peratsim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name meaning 'Lord of the breakings' or 'Master of the breakthroughs,' established to commemorate God’s sudden and decisive intervention in judgment or victory.
nagaph · Hebrew Verb
To strike down, conquer, or overcome in battle, often used in Scripture to describe God’s victory through His people over their enemies.
This victory at Baal-Perazim wasn't just a military triumph; it was a pivotal moment where David recognized God's direct intervention in overcoming his enemies, establishing a pattern of seeking divine guidance before battle.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David as king over Israel, beginning his rise to power. This marked a significant shift in leadership and divine favor.
c. 1005 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, making it his capital city. This established a central, unified nation under his rule.
c. 1005 BC
Philistine Uprising
Following David's consolidation of power, the Philistines, a major regional enemy, rose up against him.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
Battle of Baal-Perazim
David confronts and decisively defeats the Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim, near Jerusalem. This victory is the direct context for his declaration.
c. 1004 BC
Second Philistine Defeat
The Philistines attack again, this time maneuvering to the west of Jerusalem. David again seeks God's guidance and achieves another significant victory.
c. 1000 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David successfully brings the Ark of the Covenant into his capital city, further cementing Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel.
This passage echoes David's trust in God's power to fight for him, as Moses declared, 'The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'
Joshua 6:20Just as the walls of Jericho fell after God's people obeyed, David's victory at Baal-perazim shows God's power at work when His people act in faith.
Psalm 18:29This psalm, which David himself wrote, directly reflects his experience here, proclaiming, 'With you I can run against a troop; with my God I can leap over a wall.'
Isaiah 43:2This prophetic promise from Isaiah speaks to God's powerful presence with His people in times of trial, assuring them that He will be with them through the 'waters' and 'fires.'
David doesn't just see God as a general granting victory; he sees God as the breakthrough, the one who shattered his enemies like a devastating flood. This isn't just about God helping David win, but about God being the force that overwhelmed his opposition. The name Baal-perazim itself, meaning "Lord of the Breakthrough," underscores this profound, almost explosive, divine intervention.
Right before this, the Philistines had invaded, and David, seeking God's guidance, was told to attack. After this victory, he's celebrating God's powerful intervention, even giving the place a new name that means "Lord of Breaking Through" to remember this win. This happens during David's early reign as king over all Israel, a time marked by establishing his rule and facing down enemies.
Right before this, the Philistines had invaded, and David, seeking God's guidance, was told to attack. After this victory, he's celebrating God's powerful intervention, even giving the place a new name that means "Lord of Breaking Through" to remember this win. This happens during David's early reign as king over all Israel, a time marked by establishing his rule and facing down enemies.
"And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim." — David doesn't just see God as a general granting victory; he sees God as the breakthrough, the one who shattered his enemies like a devastating flood. This isn't just about God helping David win, b…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026