This verse, 2 Samuel 5:20, describes a significant victory for David over the Philistines. Let's break down its meaning:
"David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there." This sets the scene. Baal Perazim is a specific location, and the verse tells us that David engaged the Philistines in battle there and defeated them.
"Then he said, 'Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters.'" This is the key to understanding the verse. David attributes his victory to Yahweh (God). The phrase "breach of waters" refers to a powerful and overwhelming force, like a dam bursting or a sudden flood. David is saying that God shattered his enemies with a force as unstoppable as rushing water. He recognizes that the victory wasn't due to his own strength or skill, but to God's intervention.
"Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim." This explains the origin of the place name. Because David attributed his victory to God breaking through his enemies, he named the place "Baal Perazim." This translates to something like "Lord of Breakings Through" or "Master of Breaches." In other words, David named the place to commemorate God's powerful victory and to remember the way God broke through the Philistine lines for him.
In summary, the verse means:
David defeated the Philistines at a place called Baal Perazim. He recognized that the victory was due to God's powerful intervention, comparing it to the overwhelming force of a burst dam. To commemorate this victory and honor God, David named the place "Baal Perazim," meaning "Lord of Breakings Through."
Significance:
Acknowledgement of God's Power: The verse highlights David's faith and his understanding that God was the source of his strength and success.
Memorialization: The naming of the place served as a lasting reminder of God's power and faithfulness.
Early Victories: This was one of David's early victories after being anointed king over all of Israel, demonstrating God's support of his reign.
Symbolic Victory: The "breach of waters" imagery suggests not just physical victory, but also the breaking down of obstacles and resistance to God's will.
The verse emphasizes the importance of attributing success to God and remembering His faithfulness in times of trouble. It's a testament to David's reliance on God and a reminder that true victory comes from Him.
This verse, 2 Samuel 5:20, describes a significant victory for David over the Philistines. Let's break down its meaning:
"David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there." This sets the scene. Baal Perazim is a specific location, and the verse tells us that David engaged the Philistines in battle there and defeated them.
"Then he said, 'Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters.'" This is the key to understanding the verse. David attributes his victory to Yahweh (God). The phrase "breach of waters" refers to a powerful and overwhelming force, like a dam bursting or a sudden flood. David is saying that God shattered his enemies with a force as unstoppable as rushing water. He recognizes that the victory wasn't due to his own strength or skill, but to God's intervention.
"Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim." This explains the origin of the place name. Because David attributed his victory to God breaking through his enemies, he named the place "Baal Perazim." This translates to something like "Lord of Breakings Through" or "Master of Breaches." In other words, David named the place to commemorate God's powerful victory and to remember the way God broke through the Philistine lines for him.
In summary, the verse means:
David defeated the Philistines at a place called Baal Perazim. He recognized that the victory was due to God's powerful intervention, comparing it to the overwhelming force of a burst dam. To commemorate this victory and honor God, David named the place "Baal Perazim," meaning "Lord of Breakings Through."
Significance:
Acknowledgement of God's Power: The verse highlights David's faith and his understanding that God was the source of his strength and success.
Memorialization: The naming of the place served as a lasting reminder of God's power and faithfulness.
Early Victories: This was one of David's early victories after being anointed king over all of Israel, demonstrating God's support of his reign.
Symbolic Victory: The "breach of waters" imagery suggests not just physical victory, but also the breaking down of obstacles and resistance to God's will.
The verse emphasizes the importance of attributing success to God and remembering His faithfulness in times of trouble. It's a testament to David's reliance on God and a reminder that true victory comes from Him.