Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 5:20 together. It's a really important part of understanding how God’s plan was unfolding in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a significant shift in power and a change in the landscape of Israel after David’s reign. It speaks about God actively breaking into the lives of those who were enemies to him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And David came to Baalperazim…” : This tells us that David was traveling and visiting a place called "Baalperazim." It’s important to note this wasn't a pleasant visit; it was a confrontation. “…and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.” : This is the core of the verse. "Smote them" means to attack or defeat them – to harm them significantly. “The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies” means God has actively attacked and defeated these enemies. "As the breach of waters" is a powerful metaphor. It suggests that this attack was like a sudden, forceful breaking through something – almost like a flood. “Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.” : This is where it gets really significant. David, in his anger and desire to punish his enemies, decided to name the place "Baalperazim." This was a deliberate act of naming the place. What’s the Big Picture? God's Judgment: The verse suggests that God wasn't just dealing with these enemies; He was actively judging them through his actions. He was demonstrating his power and wrath. A Shift in Focus: It highlights a move from focusing on just the Israelites to focusing on punishing those who opposed them. This is a key part of God's plan to establish His kingdom and bring justice. The Beginning of a New Era: The name "Baalperazim" itself has some symbolic meaning, referencing a place associated with Baal (a god often seen as a false idol). So, naming the place after something that was considered evil or deceptive suggests a deliberate rejection of that power. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in biblical history where God used his agents – like David – to defeat and punish those who were hostile to him. It’s a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring justice through His word. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give an example of why this verse is important? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Israel's history?