from בַּעַל and the plural of פֶּרֶץ; possessor of breaches; Baal-Peratsim, a place in Palestine; Baal-perazim.
Transliteration:Baʻal Pᵉrâtsîym
Pronunciation:bah'-al per-aw-tseem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Baʻal Pᵉrâtsîym (`{{H1188}}`) is a compound proper noun, transliterated as Baal-Perazim. Its etymology provides profound insight into its meaning. It is derived from baʻal (`{{H1167}}`), meaning "master," "possessor," or "lord," and the plural form of perets (`{{H6556}}`), which signifies "breach," "bursting forth," or "breaking through." Thus, the name literally translates to "Master of Breaches" or "Lord of Breakings Through." This designation is not merely a geographical marker but a theological statement, commemorating a decisive divine intervention characterized by an overwhelming, sudden breakthrough. The semantic range is therefore tightly linked to the concept of powerful, irresistible divine action that shatters obstacles and overwhelms opposition, akin to a flood breaking through a dam.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Baal-Perazim is mentioned in two primary biblical accounts, both detailing a pivotal victory of King David over the Philistines.
1. **[[2 Samuel 5:20]]**: Following David's anointing as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem, the Philistines launched an attack against him. David inquired of the Lord, who instructed him to ascend against them. The Lord promised, "I will go out before you." When David struck down the Philistines at this location, he declared, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water." It was in commemoration of this overwhelming victory, where God Himself acted as the "Breaker," that David named the place Baal-Perazim. The imagery of "breaking through like water" vividly portrays an irresistible, overwhelming force, suggesting a divine flood that swept away the enemy.
2. **[[1 Chronicles 14:11]]**: This passage provides a parallel account of the same event, reinforcing the significance of the name. David again inquired of God, received divine assurance, and achieved a decisive victory. The Chronicler reiterates David's declaration regarding the Lord's "breaking through" and the subsequent naming of the place. The consistency across both narratives underscores the theological weight attached to the name, identifying the location not just by its physical attributes but by the powerful divine act that occurred there.
In both contexts, Baal-Perazim is not merely a battlefield but a monument to God's active, powerful intervention on behalf of His chosen king and people. It signifies a place where God demonstrated His sovereignty by decisively "breaking through" enemy lines and delivering victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **Baʻal (`{{H1167}}`)**: While baʻal often refers to the pagan deity Baal, in the context of Baal-Perazim, it retains its more fundamental meaning of "master," "possessor," or "lord." Here, it is God Himself who is identified as the "Master" or "Lord" of the "breaches" or "breakthroughs." This distinguishes the place name from idolatrous associations, emphasizing divine agency.
2. **Perets (`{{H6556}}`)**: The root of peratsim, this noun means "breach," "rupture," "bursting forth," or "breakthrough." It is used in various contexts to describe a breaking out (e.g., of water, [[2 Samuel 5:20]]; or of divine judgment, [[2 Samuel 6:8]] where God "broke out" against Uzzah). In Baal-Perazim, it specifically highlights God's active breaking through the enemy's strength and defenses.
3. **Divine Intervention**: The concept of Baal-Perazim is intrinsically linked to God's direct and powerful intervention in human affairs. It parallels other instances where God "goes before" His people to secure victory (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 31:8]], [[Isaiah 45:2]]).
4. **Victory and Deliverance**: The event at Baal-Perazim is a testament to God's power to deliver His people from overwhelming odds. It is a type of divine deliverance, showcasing God's ability to create a way where there seems to be none.
### Theological Significance
The name Baal-Perazim carries profound theological significance, primarily revealing aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people:
1. **God as the "Lord of Breakthroughs"**: The most prominent theological insight is the portrayal of Yahweh as the One who initiates and accomplishes decisive breakthroughs. He is not merely a distant observer but an active participant who "breaks through" obstacles, opposition, and seemingly insurmountable barriers. This speaks to His omnipotence and His commitment to His covenant people.
2. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**: David's victory was not a result of his own strategic genius alone, but a direct consequence of God's promise, "I will go out before you." The name Baal-Perazim serves as a perpetual reminder that God is sovereign over battles and that true victory comes from His initiative and power.
3. **Symbol of Overwhelming Power**: The imagery of a "breakthrough of water" evokes the irresistible force of a flood. This metaphor underscores the overwhelming nature of God's power when He chooses to act. He does not merely win; He utterly devastates the opposition, leaving no doubt as to the source of the victory.
4. **Encouragement for Future Generations**: For Israel, Baal-Perazim became a theological landmark, a concrete example of God's faithfulness and power to deliver. It served as an encouragement for future generations to trust in God's ability to "break through" their own challenges and enemies.
5. **Forecasting Messianic Victory**: Some commentators have seen in Baal-Perazim a foreshadowing of the ultimate "breakthrough" accomplished by the Messiah, who would decisively defeat spiritual enemies (sin, death, and Satan) and establish God's kingdom.
### Summary
Baal-Perazim (`{{H1188}}`), meaning "Master of Breaches" or "Lord of Breakings Through," is a significant biblical place name commemorating a decisive victory granted by God to King David over the Philistines. Located in the accounts of [[2 Samuel 5:20]] and [[1 Chronicles 14:11]], it symbolizes God's direct, overwhelming, and irresistible intervention on behalf of His people. The name itself, derived from baʻal (master) and peratsim (breaches), highlights God as the sovereign one who "breaks through" obstacles like a mighty flood. Theologically, Baal-Perazim reveals God's character as the "Lord of Breakthroughs," demonstrating His omnipotence, initiative, and faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies. It stands as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty and an enduring reminder that true victory comes from God's decisive action.
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