God’s swift victory reminds believers that His power can break through life’s greatest barriers.
“So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, ‘God has broken through my enemies by my hand like the breakthrough of waters.’ Therefore they named that place Baal-perazim.” (1 Chronicles 14:11)
In this verse, David has recently been established as the second king of Israel, reigning from around 1010 to 970 BC. When the Philistines advance against him, David seeks divine guidance and ultimately overcomes them. The location of the battle is Baal-perazim, an area near Jerusalem whose name signifies “Lord of the breakthrough,” reflecting David’s conviction that God Himself is the agent of Israel’s military successes. By naming the place Baal-perazim, David memorializes the Lord’s power to overcome obstacles—much like water surging uncontrollably through a barrier.
The imagery of water bursting forth speaks to the unstoppable force of God’s intervention. David acknowledges that his victory is not merely an act of human prowess; rather, “God has broken through [his] enemies” much like a rushing current that clears every obstacle in its path. This perspective underscores David’s humble attitude—he sees himself as God’s servant, favored by divine help rather than self-reliance. It is a model also carried forward in the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic line, conquering the powers of sin and death through His own mighty “breakthrough” on the cross.
In 1 Chronicles 14:11, we see a broader lesson that extends beyond historical warfare: God’s people are reminded that deliverance comes through the Lord’s strength. David’s triumph at Baal-perazim fortifies Israel’s trust in God’s sovereignty, preparing them for future challenges. Long after David’s time, this same confidence in the Lord’s power resonates through biblical history, culminating in the Messiah’s ultimate victory over spiritual enemies.
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1 Chronicles 14:11 meaning
“So they came up to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there; and David said, ‘God has broken through my enemies by my hand like the breakthrough of waters.’ Therefore they named that place Baal-perazim.” (1 Chronicles 14:11)
In this verse, David has recently been established as the second king of Israel, reigning from around 1010 to 970 BC. When the Philistines advance against him, David seeks divine guidance and ultimately overcomes them. The location of the battle is Baal-perazim, an area near Jerusalem whose name signifies “Lord of the breakthrough,” reflecting David’s conviction that God Himself is the agent of Israel’s military successes. By naming the place Baal-perazim, David memorializes the Lord’s power to overcome obstacles—much like water surging uncontrollably through a barrier.
The imagery of water bursting forth speaks to the unstoppable force of God’s intervention. David acknowledges that his victory is not merely an act of human prowess; rather, “God has broken through [his] enemies” much like a rushing current that clears every obstacle in its path. This perspective underscores David’s humble attitude—he sees himself as God’s servant, favored by divine help rather than self-reliance. It is a model also carried forward in the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic line, conquering the powers of sin and death through His own mighty “breakthrough” on the cross.
In 1 Chronicles 14:11, we see a broader lesson that extends beyond historical warfare: God’s people are reminded that deliverance comes through the Lord’s strength. David’s triumph at Baal-perazim fortifies Israel’s trust in God’s sovereignty, preparing them for future challenges. Long after David’s time, this same confidence in the Lord’s power resonates through biblical history, culminating in the Messiah’s ultimate victory over spiritual enemies.