1 Chronicles 14:11

KJV

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.

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}.

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].

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 14:11 records a decisive victory for King David against the Philistines at a place he named Baalperazim. This verse powerfully illustrates God's direct and overwhelming intervention on behalf of His anointed king, likening His force to a sudden, irresistible flood that breaks through barriers. David's immediate attribution of this triumph to God's hand underscores the theological principle that true victory comes from divine empowerment, solidifying his reign as divinely sanctioned and highlighting the importance of acknowledging God as the source of all breakthroughs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron and his subsequent capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital ([1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King")). The Philistines, long-standing adversaries of Israel, responded to David's growing power by launching an offensive, seeking to contain his influence ([1 Chronicles 14:8](/1_chronicles/14-8 "1 Chronicles 14:8 - Philistine Invasion")). Crucially, before engaging the enemy, David "inquired of God" ([1 Chronicles 14:10](/1_chronicles/14-10 "1 Chronicles 14:10 - David Inquires of God")), demonstrating his reliance on divine counsel rather than military might alone. God's affirmative response and promise of victory set the stage for the battle at Baalperazim, which is detailed in this verse. The narrative continues with a second Philistine attack and David's subsequent inquiry and victory, reinforcing the pattern of divine guidance and triumph ([1 Chronicles 14:13-16](/1_chronicles/14-13 "1 Chronicles 14:13-16 - Second Philistine Battle")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, David was consolidating his rule over a unified kingdom. The Philistines, a powerful maritime people settled in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, represented a significant and enduring threat to Israel's sovereignty and security. Their military prowess, including their use of iron weaponry, often gave them an advantage over the Israelites. For David, a newly established king, a decisive victory against such a formidable foe was crucial for legitimizing his reign and demonstrating God's favor to both his own people and surrounding nations. The practice of naming places after significant events, especially battles or divine interventions, was common in the ancient Near East, serving as a perpetual memorial and a testament to the power of the deity involved.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Empowerment and Victory**, emphasizing that David's triumph was not merely a military success but a direct result of God's overwhelming intervention. David's declaration, "God hath broken in upon mine enemies by my hand like the breaking forth of waters," vividly portrays God's irresistible force, a concept deeply rooted in the **Divine Warrior Motif** found throughout the Old Testament, where God actively fights for His people (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). Another crucial theme is **David's Obedience and Reliance on God**. His consistent practice of inquiring of the Lord before battle highlights a model of faithful leadership that prioritizes divine guidance over human strategy, 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 significant theological truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalperazim (Hebrew, _Baʻal Pĕrāṣîm'_):** This compound name is profoundly significant. "Baal" (בַּעַל) here means "lord" or "master," not referring to the Canaanite deity but as a title of ownership or authority, indicating God as the "Lord" of the breakthrough. "Perazim" (פְּרָצִים) is derived from the verb _parats_ (פָּרַץ), meaning "to break forth," "to burst out," "to breach," or "to scatter." Thus, Baalperazim literally means "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 theological statement about God's character and method of intervention.
* **Broken in upon (Hebrew, _pāratz'_):** The verb _pāratz_ (פָּרַץ) is central to the verse's meaning and the naming of the place. It conveys a sense of sudden, forceful, and overwhelming breach or eruption. 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 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 imagery emphasizes God's absolute power and the futility of resistance against His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there."**: This clause concisely sets the scene, describing the Philistine advance to a specific location, Baalperazim, and David's direct engagement with them, resulting in their defeat. It establishes the physical reality of the conflict and David's role as the instrument of God's judgment.
* **"Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by my hand like the breaking forth of waters:"**: This is the theological heart of the verse. David, immediately after the victory, attributes the success not to his own military prowess but unequivocally 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 my hand" acknowledges David's role as God's chosen and obedient instrument, emphasizing a divine-human partnership in the execution of God's will.
* **"therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim."**: This concluding clause explains the etymology of the place name, directly linking it to David's declaration and the nature of God's victory. The naming serves as a perpetual memorial, ensuring that future generations would remember God as the "Lord of Breakthroughs" who delivered Israel from its enemies in an overwhelming fashion. It transforms a geographical location into a theological landmark.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is the **simile** in David's declaration: "like the breaking forth of waters." This vivid comparison evokes images of an unstoppable, overwhelming flood, effectively communicating the sudden and irresistible power with which God vanquished the Philistines. This imagery is deeply resonant with the **Divine Warrior Motif**, where God is depicted as actively fighting on behalf of His people, often with natural elements as His weapons. The naming of the place, **Baalperazim**, is a form of **etymological wordplay** and **onomastics**, where the name itself (derived from _parats_, "to break forth") directly reflects the action described 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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 14:11 powerfully articulates the sovereignty of God over all circumstances, particularly in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. It teaches that true victory is not achieved through human strength or strategic brilliance alone, but through humble reliance on and obedience to God, who possesses the power to "break through" any barrier. David's immediate and public acknowledgement of God as the source of his triumph sets a profound example for all believers, reminding us that every breakthrough, whether personal, spiritual, or communal, originates 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.

* [Exodus 14:21-28](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-28 - The Red Sea Crossing") - God's overwhelming power "breaking forth" the waters to deliver Israel and overwhelm their enemies.
* [Isaiah 28:21](/isaiah/28-21 "Isaiah 28:21 - God's Strange Work at Mount Perazim") - References the battle of Baalperazim (Mount Perazim) as an example of God's unique and decisive action.
* [Psalm 18:29](/psalms/18-29 "Psalm 18:29 - God Enables Breakthroughs") - "For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall," reflecting the theme of divine empowerment for breakthroughs.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Baalperazim offers timeless encouragement for believers facing their own "Philistines"—whether they be spiritual strongholds, overwhelming challenges, or seemingly impossible circumstances. Like David, our first and most crucial step in any conflict should be to "inquire of God," seeking His wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on our own understanding or strength. This passage reminds us that God is still the "Lord of breakthroughs," capable of intervening with overwhelming force to scatter our enemies and clear paths where none existed. Our role is to be obedient instruments in His hand, trusting that when He commands, He also empowers. Furthermore, it calls us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and public acknowledgment, ensuring that when breakthroughs occur, 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 testimony to His faithfulness and power for those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing "Philistines" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **How consistently do you "inquire of God" for guidance before acting, especially in challenging situations?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to trust God as the "Lord of breakthroughs" in your current circumstances?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge and give God credit for the victories and breakthroughs in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name Baalperazim?**

Answer: The name Baalperazim (meaning "Lord of Breakthroughs" or "Lord of Scatterings") is highly significant because it serves as a perpetual memorial to the specific nature of God's intervention in David's 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. 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 by human might but by God's sovereign power, establishing a theological landmark for future generations.

**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 seen in [1 Chronicles 14:10](/1_chronicles/14-10 "1 Chronicles 14:10 - David Inquires of God") and [1 Chronicles 14:14](/1_chronicles/14-14 "1 Chronicles 14:14 - David Inquires Again"), was crucial for several reasons. First, it demonstrated his humble reliance on God's sovereignty and wisdom, acknowledging that true victory comes from the Lord, not from human strategy or strength. Second, it ensured divine authorization and direction for his military campaigns, guaranteeing that his actions aligned with God's will. This obedience was a hallmark of David's reign, distinguishing him from King Saul, who often acted presumptuously. Finally, seeking God's counsel fostered a deeper relationship with the Lord and built David's faith, as he repeatedly experienced God's faithfulness in granting victory according to His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The victory at Baalperazim, where God "broke in upon" the enemies like a flood, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and decisive breakthrough accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as God scattered the Philistines through David, so too did God, in Christ, "break forth" into human history to decisively defeat the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The imagery of an overwhelming, irresistible force finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumph on the cross and His resurrection, where He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus is the true "Lord of Breakthroughs," not merely over physical enemies but over the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive. His death and 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 and new life ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Devil's Power")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual adversaries, knowing that the victory has already been secured by the one who "takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 28:21

For the LORD shall rise up as [in] mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as [in] the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

Exodus 14:28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Psalms 144:10

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

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.

Job 30:14

They came [upon me] as a wide breaking in [of waters]: in the desolation they rolled themselves [upon me].

Psalms 18:13

The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.