1 Chronicles 14:11

Translation
King James Version
So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
So they came up H5927 to Baalperazim H1188; and David H1732 smote H5221 them there. Then David H1732 said H559, God H430 hath broken in H6555 upon mine enemies H341 by mine hand H3027 like the breaking forth H6556 of waters H4325: therefore they called H7121 the name H8034 of that place H4725 Baalperazim H1188.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
So they went up to Ba'al-P'ratzim, and David defeated them there. David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my power like a river breaking through its banks."This is why they called the place Ba'al-P'ratzim [Lord of breaking through].
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
So David and his men went up to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, God has burst out against my enemies by my hand.” So they called that place Baal-perazim.
Ask
American Standard Version
So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and David said, God hath broken mine enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
So they came up to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and David said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
So they came vp to Baal-perazim, and Dauid smote them there: and Dauid said, God hath deuided mine enemies with mine hande, as waters are deuided: therefore they called the name of that place, Baal-perazim.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And they go up into Baal-Perazim, and David smiteth them there, and David saith, `God hath broken up mine enemies by my hand, like the breaking up of waters;' therefore they have called the name of that place Baal-Perazim.
Ask
See also
Isaiah 28:21Exodus 14:28Matthew 7:27Psalms 144:102 Samuel 5:20Job 30:14Psalms 18:13
See on the biblical-era map
The Ark Recovered
The Ark Recovered View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 10,786 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 14:11 recounts a pivotal victory for King David against the Philistines at a location he subsequently named Baalperazim. This verse vividly portrays God's direct and overwhelming intervention on behalf of His anointed king, likening His powerful breakthrough to the sudden, irresistible force of a flood. David's immediate and public attribution of this decisive triumph to God's hand underscores the profound theological principle that true victory and all breakthroughs originate from divine empowerment, thereby solidifying his reign as divinely sanctioned and emphasizing the critical importance of acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all success.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This significant verse is strategically placed in the narrative immediately following David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron and his successful capture of Jerusalem, which he established as his capital, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 11. The Philistines, recognizing David's burgeoning power and the unification of Israel under his leadership, perceived him as a formidable threat and launched a preemptive strike to contain his influence, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 14:8. Crucially, before engaging the enemy, David demonstrates his consistent reliance on divine guidance by "inquiring of God" (1 Chronicles 14:10), a stark contrast to the previous reign of Saul. God's affirmative response and promise of victory set the stage for the battle at Baalperazim, the focus of this verse. The Chronicler further reinforces this pattern of divine consultation and triumph by immediately narrating a second Philistine attack, David's subsequent inquiry, and another decisive victory in 1 Chronicles 14:13-16.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: During this period, David was actively consolidating his authority over a newly unified Israelite kingdom. The Philistines, a powerful and technologically advanced (especially in ironworking) people inhabiting the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, represented a persistent and formidable military threat to Israel's nascent sovereignty. Their frequent incursions aimed to maintain their regional dominance and prevent the rise of a strong Israelite state. For David, a newly established king, securing a decisive victory against such a formidable and long-standing foe was paramount for legitimizing his reign, establishing his military credibility, and demonstrating God's unwavering favor to both his own people and the surrounding nations. The ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of naming places after significant events, particularly battles or miraculous divine interventions, was common. Such names served as enduring memorials and testaments to the power and character of the deity involved, ensuring that the historical and theological significance of the event would be perpetually remembered.

  • Key Themes: The overarching theme in this verse is Divine Empowerment and Victory, which unequivocally asserts that David's triumph was not merely a result of military strategy or human strength but a direct, overwhelming intervention by God. David's profound declaration, "God hath broken in upon mine enemies by my hand like the breaking forth of waters," vividly illustrates God's irresistible and sudden force, a concept deeply rooted in the Divine Warrior Motif prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where God actively fights on behalf of His people, as seen in the dramatic deliverance at the Red Sea in Exodus 14. Another crucial theme is David's Obedience and Reliance on God. His consistent practice of "inquiring of the Lord" before engaging in battle, rather than relying solely on human wisdom or military might, highlights a model of faithful leadership that prioritizes divine guidance, leading to promised success. The naming of the place, Baalperazim, meaning "Lord of Breakthroughs" or "Lord of Scatterings," serves as a perpetual memorial to God's specific method of victory, reinforcing the theme of divine initiative and the power of a name to encapsulate a profound theological truth about God's character and actions.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Baalperazim (Hebrew, Baʻal_ _Pᵉrâtsîym', H1188): This compound geographical name is profoundly significant, acting as a theological statement. "Baal" (בַּעַל) here functions as a title meaning "lord" or "master," referring to Yahweh as the sovereign Lord, not the Canaanite deity. "Perazim" (פְּרָצִים) is the plural of perets (פֶּרֶץ), meaning "a break," "a breach," or "a breaking forth," derived from the verb pāratz (פָּרַץ), "to break out." Therefore, Baalperazim literally translates to "Lord of Breakings Through" or "Lord of Scatterings," perfectly encapsulating David's declaration that God "broke in upon" his enemies like a sudden, overwhelming flood, scattering them. The name serves as an enduring monument to God's character and His method of intervention.
  • broken in upon (Hebrew, pârats', H6555): The verb pârats (פָּרַץ) is the etymological root of "Perazim" and is central to the verse's meaning. It conveys a sense of sudden, violent, and overwhelming breach, eruption, or bursting forth. When David declares that God "hath broken in upon mine enemies," he is describing an irresistible, uncontainable force that shattered the Philistine ranks. This is not a gradual advance or a strategic outmaneuvering, but a sudden, decisive, and destructive surge, much like a dam bursting or a flood breaking through its banks, overwhelming everything in its path. This powerful imagery emphasizes God's absolute and unchallengeable power, illustrating the futility of resistance against His divine will.
  • hand (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): The Hebrew word yâd (יָד), translated as "hand," is a primitive word with a vast semantic range, often signifying power, agency, means, or instrument. In the phrase "by my hand," it does not imply David's independent power but rather his role as the chosen and obedient instrument through whom God's power was manifested. It highlights the divine-human partnership in the execution of God's will: God is the ultimate agent who "breaks in," but He does so "by" or "through" the hand of His anointed servant, David. This emphasizes David's active participation and responsibility in the battle, even as he attributes the ultimate victory solely to God.

Verse Breakdown

  • "So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there.": This opening clause succinctly sets the scene, detailing the Philistine advance to a specific geographical location, Baalperazim, and David's direct engagement with them, culminating in their decisive defeat. It establishes the immediate physical reality of the conflict and David's role as the instrument of God's judgment and the leader of Israel's forces.
  • "Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters:": This is the theological and interpretive core of the verse. Immediately following the victory, David does not claim personal glory but unequivocally attributes the success to God. The vivid simile, "like the breaking forth of waters," powerfully illustrates the nature of God's intervention: sudden, overwhelming, irresistible, and utterly destructive to the enemy, much like a flood breaching a dam. The phrase "by mine hand" acknowledges David's active role as God's chosen and obedient instrument, emphasizing a divine-human partnership where God empowers His servant to execute His will.
  • "therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.": This concluding clause provides the etymology of the place name, directly linking it to David's declaration and the specific nature of God's victory. The naming serves as a perpetual memorial, ensuring that future generations would remember God as the "Lord of Breakings Through" who delivered Israel from its enemies in an overwhelming and decisive fashion. It transforms a geographical location into a profound theological landmark, a testament to God's power and faithfulness.

Literary Devices

The verse is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological and narrative impact. The most prominent is the simile in David's declaration: "like the breaking forth of waters." This powerful comparison evokes images of an unstoppable, overwhelming flood, effectively communicating the sudden, irresistible, and destructive power with which God vanquished the Philistines. This imagery resonates deeply with the Divine Warrior Motif, a recurring theme in the Old Testament where God is depicted as actively fighting on behalf of His people, often employing natural elements as His instruments of judgment. The naming of the place, Baalperazim, is a clear instance of etymological wordplay and onomastics, where the name itself (derived from parats, "to break forth") directly reflects the action and theological interpretation provided by David, serving as a permanent linguistic memorial to the event. The narrative also employs direct speech ("Then David said...") to give immediate and authoritative voice to David's theological interpretation of the battle, underscoring his spiritual insight and leadership, and allowing the reader to hear his profound declaration firsthand.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

1 Chronicles 14:11 powerfully articulates the absolute sovereignty of God over all circumstances, particularly in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. It teaches a fundamental biblical truth: true victory is not achieved through human strength, military might, or strategic brilliance alone, but through humble reliance on and obedient partnership with God, who possesses the power to "break through" any barrier. David's immediate and public acknowledgment of God as the sole source of his triumph sets a profound example for all believers, reminding us that every breakthrough—whether personal, spiritual, or communal—origates from the "Lord of breakthroughs." This account reinforces the biblical truth that when God acts, His power is irresistible and overwhelming, capable of scattering even the most formidable enemies and turning impossible situations into testimonies of His glory.

  • Exodus 14:21-28 - God's overwhelming power "breaking forth" the waters to deliver Israel and utterly overwhelm their enemies, a parallel to the flood imagery.
  • Isaiah 28:21 - References the battle of Baalperazim (Mount Perazim) as a historical precedent for God's unique, decisive, and sometimes unexpected actions to achieve His purposes.
  • Psalm 18:29 - "For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall," directly reflecting the theme of divine empowerment for overcoming obstacles and achieving breakthroughs.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The narrative of Baalperazim offers timeless encouragement and profound practical application for believers facing their own "Philistines"—whether they be spiritual strongholds, overwhelming personal challenges, professional obstacles, or seemingly impossible circumstances. Like David, our first and most crucial step in any conflict should be to "inquire of God," seeking His wisdom, direction, and authorization rather than relying solely on our own understanding, strength, or conventional strategies. This passage powerfully reminds us that God remains the "Lord of breakthroughs," capable of intervening with overwhelming force to scatter our enemies, dismantle strongholds, and clear paths where none existed. Our role is not to generate the breakthrough ourselves, but to be obedient instruments in His hand, trusting that when He commands, He also empowers. Furthermore, this account calls us to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude and public acknowledgment, ensuring that when breakthroughs occur in our lives, we attribute the glory unequivocally to God, just as David did in naming Baalperazim. This practice not only honors God but also serves as a powerful and compelling testimony to His faithfulness, power, and character for those around us, pointing them to the true source of all victory.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life are you currently facing "Philistines" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that require a divine breakthrough?
  • How consistently do you "inquire of God" for guidance and permission before acting, especially in challenging or uncertain situations?
  • What does it mean for you personally to trust God as the "Lord of breakthroughs" in your current circumstances, even when the path is unclear?
  • Beyond private gratitude, how can you more intentionally and publicly acknowledge and give God credit for the victories and breakthroughs He brings into your life?

FAQ

What is the significance of the name Baalperazim?

Answer: The name Baalperazim (meaning "Lord of Breakthroughs" or "Lord of Scatterings") is profoundly significant because it serves as a perpetual memorial to the specific nature of God's intervention in David's decisive victory over the Philistines. David declared that God had "broken in upon" his enemies "like the breaking forth of waters," an image of sudden, overwhelming, and irresistible force, akin to a flood. By naming the place Baalperazim, David ensured that the site would forever bear witness to God's unique method of victory—a divine "breakthrough" that scattered Israel's foes. It underscores that the triumph was not achieved by human might or strategy but by God's sovereign power, establishing a theological landmark for future generations and a reminder that God is the source of all true breakthroughs.

Why was it important for David to inquire of God before battle?

Answer: David's consistent practice of inquiring of God before engaging in battle, as explicitly seen in 1 Chronicles 14:10 and again in 1 Chronicles 14:14, was crucial for several profound reasons. First, it demonstrated his humble reliance on God's sovereignty and wisdom, acknowledging that true victory and success come from the Lord, not from human strategy or strength. Second, it ensured divine authorization and precise direction for his military campaigns, guaranteeing that his actions aligned perfectly with God's will and timing. This consistent obedience was a hallmark of David's reign, distinguishing him sharply from King Saul, who often acted presumptuously without divine consultation. Finally, seeking God's counsel fostered a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord and continually built David's faith, as he repeatedly experienced God's faithfulness in granting victory according to His specific promises.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The dramatic victory at Baalperazim, where God "broke in upon" the enemies like an irresistible flood, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive breakthrough accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as God scattered the Philistines through David, His anointed king, so too did God, in the person of Christ, "break forth" into human history to decisively defeat the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The imagery of an overwhelming, uncontainable, and irresistible force finds its supreme fulfillment in Christ's triumph on the cross and His glorious resurrection, where He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15). Jesus is the true and eternal "Lord of Breakthroughs," not merely over physical adversaries but over the spiritual forces that held humanity captive. His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection represent the definitive "breaking forth" of God's redemptive power, establishing a new covenant and opening the way for all who believe to experience freedom, new life, and spiritual victory (Hebrews 2:14-15). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual adversaries, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured by the one who is indeed "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

Copy as

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 14 verses 8–17

This narrative of David's triumph over the Philistines is much the same with that, Sa2 5:17, etc. 1. Let the attack which the Philistines made upon David forbid us to be secure in any settlement or advancement, and engage us to expect molestation in this world. When we are most easy something or other may come to be a terror or vexation to us. Christ's kingdom will thus be insulted by the serpent's seed, especially when it makes any advances. 2. Let David's enquiry of God, once and again, upon occasion of the Philistines' invading him, direct us in all our ways to acknowledge God - in distress to fly to him, when we are wronged to appeal to him, and, when we know not what to do, to ask counsel at his oracles, to put ourselves under his direction, and to beg of him to show us the right way. 3. Let David's success encourage us to resist our spiritual enemies, in observance of divine directions and dependence on divine strength. Resist the devil, and he shall flee as the Philistines did before David. 4. Let the sound of the going in the tops of the mulberry trees direct us to attend God's motions both in his providence and in the influences of his Spirit. When we perceive God to go before us let us gird up our loins, gird on our armour, and follow him. 5. Let David's burning the gods of the Philistines, when they fell into his hands, teach us a holy indignation against idolatry and all the remains of it. 6. Let David's thankful acknowledgment of the hand of God in his successes direct us to bring all our sacrifices of praise to God's altar. Not unto us, O Lord! not unto us, but to thy name give glory. 7. Let the reputation which David obtained, not only in his kingdom, but among his neighbours, be looked upon as a type and figure of the exalted honour of the Son of David (Ch1 14:17): The fame of David went out into all lands; he was generally talked of, and admired by all people, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. All looked upon him as a formidable enemy and a desirable ally. Thus has God highly exalted our Redeemer, and given him a name above every name.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–17. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying 1 Chronicles 14:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.