King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:20 in the King James Version says “And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Baalperazim: that is, the plain of breaches”

2 Samuel 5:20 · KJV

Context

18

The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

19

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

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. Baalperazim: that is, the plain of breaches

21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. burned: or, took them away

22

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David came to Baal-perazim, 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 Baal-perazim.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God establishing His chosen king provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of God establishing His chosen king?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיָּבֹ֨א1 of 23

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דָּוִד֒2 of 23

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּבַֽעַל3 of 23
H0
פְּרָצִֽים׃4 of 23

“Baalperazim”

H1188

baal-peratsim, a place in palestine

וַיַּכֵּ֣ם5 of 23

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

שָׁ֣ם6 of 23
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

דָּוִד֒7 of 23

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר8 of 23

“them there and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פָּרַ֨ץ9 of 23

“hath broken forth”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

יְהוָ֧ה10 of 23

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת11 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֹֽיְבַ֛י12 of 23

“upon mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

לְפָנַ֖י13 of 23

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כְּפֶ֣רֶץ14 of 23

“me as the breach”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

מָ֑יִם15 of 23

“of waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עַל16 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֗ן17 of 23
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֛א18 of 23

“Therefore he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵֽׁם19 of 23

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֥וֹם20 of 23

“of that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֖וּא21 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בַּ֥עַל22 of 23
H0
פְּרָצִֽים׃23 of 23

“Baalperazim”

H1188

baal-peratsim, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 28:21

Places in This Verse

Baal-perazimSettlement · Modern: Ez Zuhur · 31.74°N, 35.18°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 5 →

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