Judges 5:19-23 – The Sin of Meroz
In today’s reading we find the war in which Jabin was finally defeated poetically recounted. Jabin held sway over many Canaanite kings and their cities. As God, Himself, brought about Israel’s victory, even the stars are poetically said to have fought on Israel’s behalf. The forces of these kings came out to do battle with Israel. The battle against Sisera had been fought beside the River Kishon near Mount Tabor. The war ended downriver at Taanach near Megiddo where the Canaanite forces were utterly destroyed and swept away in the raging torrent.
Then the Angel of the LORD curses Meroz for refusing to aid in this war. The language is quite stunning. Whereas Deborah questioned Reuben, Gilead, Dan, and Asher for remaining at home, the Angel curses Meroz. It is unclear exactly where Meroz was, but it seems it was a city nearby the final battle site. Here the crucial battle in the war against Israel’s enemies was taking place, as it were, on their doorstep, and the people of Meroz refused to help.
The “Sin of Meroz” has become an expression meaning “apathy” or “an unwillingness to do what one knows is right.” Many a Covenanter died rather than engage in this sin by compromising with a civil government’s interference in the Church. As modern governments seek to interfere more and more with the Church, restricting our freedom to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach the whole counsel of God’s Word, let us not be found guilty of the sin of Meroz, simply going along with the tide of culture. Let us, rather, do what we know is right. Let us obey God.
Questions
- Where was Jabin finally defeated?
- What is meant by the “Sin of Meroz”?
Prayer Points
- Pray we would remain faithful to the Gospel even if it means enduring hardship for Christ’s sake.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.