Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, rain is often depicted as a divine instrument used by God to accomplish His purposes, including the deliverance of His chosen servants. One notable instance of rain being used for deliverance is found in the life of King David, a central figure in the Old Testament.David's Deliverance at Baal-Perazim The account of David's deliverance by rain is recorded in 2 Samuel 5:17-25 and 1 Chronicles 14:8-17. After David was anointed king over all Israel, the Philistines sought to challenge his rule. They mobilized their forces and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. In response, David inquired of the LORD whether he should go up against the Philistines, and God assured him of victory. 2 Samuel 5:20 states, "So David went to Baal-perazim and there he defeated them. He said, 'As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.' So that place was called Baal-perazim." The name "Baal-perazim" means "Lord of the Breakthrough," signifying the divine intervention that led to David's victory. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 14:11 echoes this sentiment: "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." While the text does not explicitly mention rain in this particular battle, the imagery of waters breaking out suggests a sudden and overwhelming force, akin to a flood or torrential rain, which God used to scatter the Philistines. This metaphor highlights the power and swiftness of God's deliverance. Theological Significance The use of rain or water imagery in David's deliverance underscores several theological themes: 1. Divine Sovereignty: The narrative emphasizes God's control over natural elements and His ability to use them to fulfill His purposes. Just as rain can transform a landscape, God's intervention can change the course of history. 2. God's Faithfulness: David's inquiry of the LORD and subsequent victory demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. God had chosen David as king and was committed to establishing his reign over Israel. 3. Human Dependence on God: David's reliance on divine guidance before engaging in battle serves as a model of faith and dependence on God. It illustrates the importance of seeking God's will and trusting in His power for deliverance. 4. Symbol of Renewal and Blessing: In the broader biblical context, rain is often associated with renewal, blessing, and the outpouring of God's favor. David's victory at Baal-perazim can be seen as a manifestation of God's blessing upon his kingship and the nation of Israel. Conclusion The account of David's deliverance by rain, though not explicitly detailed in terms of meteorological phenomena, is a powerful testament to God's intervention on behalf of His anointed. It serves as a reminder of the divine power that can break through human obstacles and bring about victory for those who trust in the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 5:17-21But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 28:21 Library How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ... But Some Seem to be Moved by the Fact... The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil The Psalms of David Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo The Publication of the Gospel A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody: Of the Passion of Jesus Christ; that it was Foretold. A Traveler's Note-Book Nor Does Ps. Lxxii. Apply to Solomon, Whose Faults Christians ... Resources What is Joel's Army? | GotQuestions.orgHad it ever rained before the Flood in Noah's day? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Rain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rain of Christ in the Communication of his Graces Rain of the Doctrine of Faithful Ministers Rain: (Destructive) of a Poor Man Oppressing the Poor Rain: (Destructive) of God's Judgments Rain: Answer to Prayer For, Promised Rain: Canaan Abundantly Supplied With Rain: Contingent Upon Obedience Rain: Designed For: Making Fruitful the Earth Rain: Designed For: Refreshing the Earth Rain: Designed For: Replenishing the Springs and Fountains of the Earth Rain: Divided Into: Overflowing Rain: Extraordinary: After Long Drought in Ahab's Reign Rain: Extraordinary: After the Captivity Rain: Extraordinary: During Wheat Harvest in the Days of Samuel Rain: Extraordinary: Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: Extraordinary: Time of the Flood Rain: Forty Days of, at the Time of the Great Flood of Noah Rain: Frequently Withheld on Account of Iniquity Rain: God Causes, to Come Down Rain: God Exhibits Goodness in Giving Rain: God Exhibits Greatness in Giving Rain: God Sends Upon the Evil and Good Rain: God should be Feared on Account of Rain: God should be Praised For Rain: Impotence of Idols Exhibited in not Being Able to Give Rain: Miraculously Caused by Elijah Rain: Miraculously Caused by Samuel Rain: North Wind Unfavorable To Rain: Not Sent Upon the Earth Immediately After Creation Rain: Occasioned by the Condensing of the Clouds Rain: Often Impeded Travelling in the East Rain: Often Succeeded by Heat and Sunshine Rain: Promised in Due Season to the Obedient Rain: Rainy Season in Palestine is in the Ninth Month, Corresponding to December Rain: Storm and Tempest often With Rain: The Appearance of a Cloud from the West Indicated Rain: The Earth Will Never Again be Destroyed By Rain: The Former, After Harvest, to Prepare for Sowing Rain: The Lack of Causes the Earth to Open Rain: The Lack of Dries up Springs and Fountains Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine Rain: The Lack of Removed by Prayer Rain: The Latter, Before Harvest Rain: The North Wind Drives Away Rain: The Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: The Rainbow often Appears During Rain: Thunder and Lightning often With Rain: Withheld for Three Years and Six Months in the Days of Elijah Rain: Withheld, in Answer to Prayer Related Terms Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences) |
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