Etymology and Meaning:
Baal-perazim, meaning "Lord of the Breakthroughs" or "Master of Breakings," is a significant biblical location named by King David after a decisive victory over the Philistines. The name reflects the divine intervention and the overwhelming defeat of the enemy, symbolizing God's power to break through obstacles for His people.

Biblical References:
The primary account of Baal-perazim is found in 2 Samuel 5:20 and 1 Chronicles 14:11. In these passages, David, newly anointed as king over all Israel, faces the Philistine threat. The Philistines, upon hearing of David's anointing, come up to seek him, prompting David to inquire of the Lord whether he should go up against them.

2 Samuel 5:20 states: "So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated them and said, 'As waters break out, so the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.' Therefore, he named that place Baal-perazim."

1 Chronicles 14:11 echoes this account: "So David and his men went up to Baal-perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, 'As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.' So that place was called Baal-perazim."

Historical and Theological Context:
Baal-perazim is situated near the Valley of Rephaim, southwest of Jerusalem. This location is significant in the narrative of David's consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom. The Philistines, long-time adversaries of Israel, sought to challenge David's rule, but the Lord's intervention at Baal-perazim affirmed David's divine mandate and the Lord's favor upon him.

Theologically, Baal-perazim represents God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from formidable foes. The imagery of "waters breaking out" conveys the sudden and unstoppable nature of God's intervention. This event underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and the assurance of victory when aligned with God's will.

Symbolism and Application:
Baal-perazim serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and might. For believers, it is a reminder that God is the ultimate "Lord of Breakthroughs," capable of overcoming any barrier or challenge. The narrative encourages reliance on God in times of trouble and the expectation of His deliverance.

In a broader sense, Baal-perazim illustrates the principle that God fights for His people and that victory is assured when they trust in Him. It is a testament to the power of prayer and the necessity of seeking God's direction in all endeavors.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The naming of Baal-perazim reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of commemorating significant events with place names. It also highlights the contrast between the pagan deity Baal and the true God of Israel, who alone is the source of victory and deliverance. This distinction reinforces the monotheistic faith of Israel and the rejection of idolatry.

Baal-perazim remains a testament to God's intervention in history and His ongoing relationship with His people. It is a site of divine triumph that continues to inspire faith and confidence in God's providential care.Baal-Perazim

god of divisions

Baal-Perazim

Place of breaches, a name given by David to the scene of a battle with the Philistines, 2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11; Isaiah 28:21. It was in the valley of Rephaim, not far southwest of Jerusalem.

Baal having rents, bursts, or destructions, the scene of a victory gained by David over the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20; 1 Chronicles 14:11). Called Mount Perazim (Isaiah 28:21). It was near the valley of Rephaim, west of Jerusalem. Identified with the modern Jebel Aly. BAAL-PERAZIM

ba-al-pe-ra'-zim, ba-al-per'-azim ba`al peratsim; Baal'pharasein, ("the lord of breakings through"): The spot in or near the Valley of Rephaim where David obtained a signal victory over the Philistines; it was higher than Jerusalem for David asked, "Shall I go up against the Philis?" (2 Samuel 5:20 1 Chronicles 14:11). The exact site is unknown, but if the Vale of Rephaim is el Beka`a, the open valley between Jerusalem and Mar Elias, then Baal-perazim would probably be the mountains to the East near what is called the "Mount of Evil Counsel" (see JERUSALEM). The Mount Perazim of Isaiah 28:21 would appear to be the same spot.

E. W. G. Masterman

1188. Baal Peratsim -- "possessor of breaches," a place in ...
... "possessor of breaches," a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Baal Peratsim Phonetic
Spelling: (bah'-al per-aw-tseem') Short Definition: Baal-perazim. ...
/hebrew/1188.htm - 6k

A Shepherd Boy who was Called to Lead a Nation
... give them into my hand?" Jehovah said to David, "Go; for I will certainly give the
Philistines into your hand." So David went to Baal-perazim, and defeated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a shepherd boy who was.htm

Baalperazim (2 Occurrences)
... unknown, but if the Vale of Rephaim is el Beka`a, the open valley between Jerusalem
and Mar Elias, then Baal-perazim would probably ...Baalperazim (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/baalperazim.htm - 8k

Baal-perazim (2 Occurrences)
Baal-perazim. Baalperazim, Baal-perazim. Ba'al-pera'zim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Baalperazim, Baal-perazim. Ba'al-pera'zim . Reference Bible.
/b/baal-perazim.htm - 8k

Perazim (3 Occurrences)
... Mount of breaches, only in Isaiah 28:21. It is the same as BAAL-PERAZIM (qv), where
David gained a victory over the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20). Int. ...
/p/perazim.htm - 8k

Ba'al-pera'zim (2 Occurrences)
Ba'al-pera'zim. Baal-perazim, Ba'al-pera'zim. Baals . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Therefore they called the name of that place BaalPerazim. (See RSV). ...
/b/ba'al-pera'zim.htm - 7k

Breakthrough (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he
said: 'The LORD hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters ...
/b/breakthrough.htm - 7k

Bursting (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 5:20 David came to BaalPerazim, and David struck them there; and
he said, "Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters ...
/b/bursting.htm - 13k

Rushing (61 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:20 And David went to Baal-perazim, and overcame them there; and he said,
The Lord has let the forces fighting against me be broken before me as a ...
/r/rushing.htm - 24k

Breach (55 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:20 David came to BaalPerazim, and David struck them there; and he said,
"Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters ...
/b/breach.htm - 27k

Breaking (69 Occurrences)
... Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. (DBY YLT). ... (See NAS). 1
Chronicles 14:11 So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. ...
/b/breaking.htm - 27k

Flood (70 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 2 Samuel 5:20 David came to BaalPerazim, and David struck them there;
and he said, "Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters ...
/f/flood.htm - 31k

What was Baal Peor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Baal? | GotQuestions.org

Why was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org

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