Curse Meroz,' says the angel of the LORD. 'Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.' ‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD.The mention of Meroz is unique to this passage, and its exact location remains unknown, though it is believed to be near the battle site where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera. The curse pronounced by the angel of the LORD, a divine messenger often associated with God's direct intervention, underscores the seriousness of Meroz's failure. In biblical context, curses are significant and denote divine disfavor, as seen in Deuteronomy 27-28. The angel of the LORD appears in various Old Testament passages, often as a theophany, suggesting a direct communication from God, as seen in Genesis 16:7-13 and Exodus 3:2. ‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants;
The repetition of the curse emphasizes the gravity of the offense. Inhabitants of Meroz are singled out for their inaction, which is seen as a betrayal of their covenantal duty to support God's people. This reflects the communal responsibility in Israelite society, where collective action was often necessary for survival and success. The bitterness of the curse suggests a deep-seated disappointment and anger, akin to the curses found in Jeremiah 48:10 against those who do not do the LORD's work with zeal. for they did not come to help the LORD,
The phrase implies that aiding Israel in battle was equivalent to helping the LORD, highlighting the theocratic nature of Israel where God was seen as the ultimate leader and king. This concept is echoed in 1 Samuel 17:47, where David declares that the battle is the LORD's. The failure of Meroz to assist is seen as a direct affront to God Himself, illustrating the expectation of loyalty and support among the tribes of Israel. to help the LORD against the mighty.’
The "mighty" refers to the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, who were oppressing Israel. The call to help against such formidable foes underscores the need for unity and courage among God's people. This phrase also reflects the biblical theme of God using the weak to overcome the strong, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. The expectation was that all of Israel would rally to God's cause, as seen in the collective efforts during the conquest of Canaan in Joshua. The failure of Meroz serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting one's duty to God and His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MerozA location mentioned only in this verse, whose inhabitants are cursed for not aiding in the battle against Sisera. The exact location is unknown, but it is significant for its failure to act. 2. The Angel of the LORDA divine messenger who pronounces the curse on Meroz. In the Old Testament, the Angel of the LORD often represents God's presence and authority. 3. Deborah and BarakLeaders of Israel during the time of the Judges. Deborah was a prophetess and judge, and Barak was a military leader. Their victory over Sisera is the context for this passage. 4. SiseraThe commander of the Canaanite army, defeated by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak's leadership. 5. The LORDThe God of Israel, who is depicted as the ultimate leader in the battle against Sisera and his forces. Teaching Points The Importance of Action in FaithMeroz is cursed for inaction. Faith requires us to step forward and act, especially in times of need. Divine AccountabilityGod holds individuals and communities accountable for their actions and inactions. We are called to be active participants in God's work. Courage in the Face of AdversityLike Deborah and Barak, we are called to be courageous and trust in God's strength, even when the odds seem against us. Community ResponsibilityThe curse on Meroz highlights the importance of communal responsibility. We are part of a larger body and must support one another in God's mission. Listening to God's CallThe Angel of the LORD's pronouncement reminds us to be attentive to God's call and respond with obedience and action. Bible Study Questions 1. What might have been the reasons for Meroz's inaction, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual lives? 2. How does the account of Deborah and Barak inspire us to take action in our own communities and churches? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not guilty of the sin of omission, as described in James 4:17? 4. How can we discern when God is calling us to step forward and act, and what steps can we take to prepare ourselves for such moments? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to help in a situation. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience in light of Judges 5:23? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 4Provides the account context for Judges 5:23, detailing the battle against Sisera and the roles of Deborah and Barak. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, where David steps forward to fight when others are afraid, contrasting with Meroz's inaction. Matthew 25:31-46The parable of the sheep and the goats, emphasizing the importance of action and service, similar to the expectation placed on Meroz. James 4:17Highlights the sin of omission, which is relevant to the failure of Meroz to act. People Abinoam, Amalek, Anath, Asher, Barak, Benjamin, Dan, Deborah, Heber, Issachar, Jael, Machir, Naphtali, Reuben, Seir, Shamgar, Sisera, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Edom, Gilead, Jordan River, Kishon River, Megiddo, Meroz, Seir, Sinai, TaanachTopics Angel, Bitter, Bitterly, Curse, Cursing, Didn't, Inhabitants, Meroz, Messenger, Mighty, Ones, Says, Strong, Thereof, Townspeople, Utterly, WarriorsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 5:23 5885 indifference
8786 opposition, to sin and evil Judges 5:1-31 5420 music Judges 5:14-31 5091 Deborah Library Recreant Reuben
Why satest then among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.'--JUDGES v. 16 (R.V.). I. The fight. The warfare is ever repeated, though in new forms. In the highest form it is Christ versus the World, And that conflict must be fought out in our own souls first. Our religion should lead not only to accept and rely on what Christ does for us, but to do and dare for Christ. He has given Himself for us, and has thereby …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'All Things are Yours'
'They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.'--JUDGES v. 20. 'For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.'--Job v. 23. These two poetical fragments present the same truth on opposite sides. The first of them comes from Deborah's triumphant chant. The singer identifies God with the cause of Israel, and declares that heaven itself fought against those who fought against God's people. There may be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Love Makes Suns
'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.' JUDGES V. 51. These are the closing words of Deborah, the great warrior-prophetess of Israel. They are in singular contrast with the tone of fierce enthusiasm for battle which throbs through the rest of the chant, and with its stern approval of the deed of Jael when she slew Sisera. Here, in its last notes, we have an anticipation of the highest and best truths of the Gospel. 'Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Songs of Deliverance
The results which accrued from the conquest achieved by Barak, are upon a small scale similar to those which come to us through the deliverance wrought out by the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall take our text and spiritualize it, viewing its joyous details as emblematic of the blessings granted to us through our Redeemer. Those who went to draw water at the wells after Barak's victory, were no longer disturbed by the robbers who lurked at the fountains for purposes of plunder; and instead of drawing the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 13: 1867 Whether the Orders Will Outlast the Day of Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that the orders of angels will not outlast the Day of Judgment. For the Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:24), that Christ will "bring to naught all principality and power, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father," and this will be in the final consummation. Therefore for the same reason all others will be abolished in that state. Objection 2: Further, to the office of the angelic orders it belongs to cleanse, enlighten, and perfect. But after the Day of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the Redeemer Returned Long Ere This?
At first sight perhaps this inquiry might appear almost irreverent and some may feel inclined to remind us that "secret things belong unto the Lord." In response we would say, It is not in any spirit of idle curiosity nor is it to indulge an inquisitive speculation that we take up this question, but simply because we believe that a humble examination of it will prove profitable to our souls, inasmuch as the answer to our inquiry demonstrates the wisdom and grace of Him with whom we have to do. Of …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return Hindrances to Revivals.
Text.--I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you."--Nehemiah vi. 3. THIS servant of God had come down from Babylon to rebuild the temple and re-establish the worship of God at Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' sepulchres. When it was discovered by Sanballat and certain individuals, his allies, who had long enjoyed the desolations of Zion, that now the temple, and the holy city were about to be rebuilt, they raised a great …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 5:23 NIVJudges 5:23 NLTJudges 5:23 ESVJudges 5:23 NASBJudges 5:23 KJV
Judges 5:23 Commentaries
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