2 Samuel 5:20
And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
2 Samuel 5:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When David arrived at Baalperazim and defeated his enemies, he recognized this victory as a manifestation of the Lord's power. The name Baalperazim means "Lord of breaking through," signifying the breakthrough and triumph that the Lord had granted David over his foes. The comparison made by David likening the Lord's intervention to the breaking forth of waters emphasizes the unstoppable force and overwhelming nature of God's victory on his behalf. This event serves as a reminder of the divine assistance and protection that David received in his battles, reinforcing his faith in the Lord's presence and power. By naming the place Baalperazim, David not only commemorated this specific victory but also acknowledged the Lord's role in his ongoing success in overcoming challenges and enemies. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's victories in our lives, attributing all glory and honor to Him for his faithfulness and support in times of struggle.
Theological Overview
When David reached Baalperazim and defeated his enemies there, he attributed his victory to the Lord's intervention. The name Baalperazim means "the Lord of breaking through" or "the master of breakthroughs" in Hebrew. This name was given to commemorate the event where God broke through David's enemies like a flood breaking through a dam. This theological interpretation of the verse highlights the faith and dependence that David had on God in times of battle. The imagery of God breaking forth like rushing waters symbolizes His overwhelming power and unstoppable force in defeating David's enemies. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's hand in our victories and giving Him the glory for His mighty acts. Through this word study and theological interpretation, we can appreciate the role of God as the ultimate victor in our lives, breaking through obstacles and granting us triumph in our battles.
2 Samuel 5:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
World English Bible
David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and he said, “Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.
Douay-Rheims
And David came to Baal Pharisim: and defeated them there, and he said, The Lord hath divided my enemies before me, as waters are divided. Therefore the name of the place was called Baal Pharisim.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Dauid came to Baal-perazim, and smote them there, and sayde, The Lord hath deuided mine enemies asunder before mee, as waters be deuided asunder: therefore he called the name of that place, Baal-perazim.