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2 Samuel 5:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 5:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
2 Samuel 5:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.
18Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
19And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And Jehovah said unto David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into thy hand.
20And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
21And they left their images there; and David and his men took them away.
22And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
23And when David inquired of Jehovah, he said, Thou shalt not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry-trees.
← 2 Samuel 5:192 Samuel 5:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And David came to Baalperazim, etc.] As it was after called, for here it has its name by anticipation, and whither the Philistines were come from the valley of Rephaim; (see <131411>1 Chronicles 14:11); which was at no great distance, the one being the hill, to which the other was the valley, computed to be about three miles from Jerusalem, in the way to Bethlehem f97 , between which places were two hours’ travels f98: and David smote them there; there a battle was fought, in which David had the victory assured him: and said, the Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters; as when waters, through their mighty force, break down the banks of rivers, and carry…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Baal-perazim - Master or possessor of breaches, equivalent to place of breaches. It was on a hill near Gibeon (see the marginal reference). return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Baal - perazim - Whither the Philistines were come from the valley of Rephraim, Ch1 14:11. Baal - perazim, signifies the master of the breaches: So he ascribes all to God. As waters - As floods or rivers of waters, which break the banks, and overflow a land, and overturn all that stands in their way. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 5:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:20 Baal-perazim: David used the term Baal to honor the Lord for the victory he gave Israel. The title means “the lord of earthquakes/openings,” and was evidently an acceptable title for Yahweh until the Canaanite worship of Baal became an overwhelming problem in Israel. Every time David engaged in combat with the Philistines in 2 Samuel (5:17-25; 8:1; 21:15-22; 23:13-17), he won without losing a single soldier. How different from Saul, for whom victory over the Philistines was impossible!”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Baalperazim: that is, The plain of breaches, Isa 28:21 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 5:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification