Judges 5:23

KJV

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Curse {H779} ye Meroz {H4789}, said {H559} the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068}, curse {H779} ye bitterly {H779} the inhabitants {H3427} thereof; because they came {H935} not to the help {H5833} of the LORD {H3068}, to the help {H5833} of the LORD {H3068} against the mighty {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Curse Meroz!' said the angel of ADONAI, 'Curse the people living there with a bitter punishment for not coming to help ADONAI, to help ADONAI against the mighty warriors.'

Berean Standard Bible

‘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.’

American Standard Version

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of Jehovah. Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, Because they came not to the help of Jehovah, To the help of Jehovah against the mighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 5:23 delivers a severe divine curse upon Meroz, a town or region that failed to join the Israelites in their crucial battle against the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. Pronounced by the "angel of the LORD" within the celebratory Song of Deborah and Barak, this verse highlights the grave consequences of neutrality and inaction when God's people are called to participate in His redemptive work, emphasizing that withholding support in such a divinely ordained conflict is tantamount to opposition and incurs divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 5:23 is an integral part of the "Song of Deborah and Barak," a triumphant poetic recounting of Israel's decisive victory over the Canaanites, as detailed in [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak's Victory"). This song, found in [Judges 5:1-31](/judges/5 "Judges 5 - The Song of Deborah and Barak"), serves as a liturgical celebration, praising God for His deliverance and honoring those who actively participated in the battle, while simultaneously condemning those who failed to respond to the call. The verse stands in stark contrast to the blessing pronounced upon Jael in [Judges 5:24](/judges/5-24 "Judges 5:24 - Jael's Blessing"), highlighting the binary of active participation versus passive omission and underscoring the song's purpose to commend faithfulness and condemn dereliction of duty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Judges 4 and 5 occur during a turbulent period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and divine deliverance through judges. The Canaanite oppression under King Jabin and his commander Sisera was particularly harsh, lasting twenty years ([Judges 4:3](/judges/4-3 "Judges 4:3 - Canaanite Oppression")). The call to arms was not merely a tribal conflict but a divinely ordained war of liberation for God's people. Meroz, though its exact location remains unknown, was likely a town situated near the battleground (the Kishon River valley, [Judges 5:21](/judges/5-21 "Judges 5:21 - The Kishon River's Role")) and thus had a clear opportunity and perceived obligation to assist. The curse reflects a cultural understanding of communal responsibility in warfare and the severe societal repercussions for cowardice, disloyalty, or failure to support the tribal confederacy in a time of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, demonstrating that while God is the ultimate deliverer, He often works through human instruments and expects their active participation. The severe curse on Meroz highlights the theme of **Judgment for Inaction**, illustrating that neutrality in the face of God's clear command or His people's struggle is not an option and can incur divine wrath. Furthermore, it emphasizes **Solidarity with God's Purpose**, as the repeated phrase "to the help of the LORD" frames the battle not merely as Israel's fight but as God's own, against "the mighty" Canaanite forces ([Judges 5:20](/judges/5-20 "Judges 5:20 - Stars Fight for Israel")). The verse thus serves as a powerful warning against spiritual apathy and a call to active engagement in God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curse (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** From H779, meaning "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." The repetition of this verb, intensified by the adverb "bitterly" (also derived from H779), underscores the absolute and devastating nature of the divine judgment pronounced upon Meroz. This is not a mere human imprecation but a solemn, divinely sanctioned pronouncement of ruin and misfortune upon those who failed in their duty.
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From H4397, meaning "a messenger" or "an angel," specifically of God. The "angel of the LORD" (combining H4397 with H3068, "LORD" or "Yᵉhôvâh") is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often understood as a special divine manifestation, sometimes a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The pronouncement of the curse by this figure elevates the condemnation from a human judgment to a direct divine decree, emphasizing the divine origin and unassailable authority behind the judgment on Meroz.
* **Help (Hebrew, _ʻezrâh'_):** From H5833, meaning "aid" or "help." The word "help" is repeated four times in this short verse, emphasizing the critical nature of the assistance Meroz withheld. It signifies active support, aid, and participation in the battle. The repetition underscores that the need for "help" was not just for Israel, but specifically "to the help of the LORD," framing the conflict as God's own war, requiring the full commitment of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof;":** This opening pronouncement establishes the divine origin and severity of the judgment. The double command to "curse" and the intensifying adverb "bitterly" convey the absolute and devastating nature of the condemnation. Meroz, whether a town or its people, is singled out for a specific, severe judgment, indicating that their inaction was a grave offense in the eyes of God.
* **"because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.":** This clause provides the explicit reason for the curse: Meroz's failure to act. The repetition of "to the help of the LORD" highlights that the battle was considered God's own, a holy war against powerful, oppressive enemies ("the mighty," Hebrew _gibbôwr_ H1368). Meroz's inaction was not merely a failure to assist Israel but a direct dereliction of duty to God Himself in His redemptive plan, a refusal to participate in His divine work of liberation.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 5:23 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message with striking force. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "curse ye" and "to the help of the LORD," intensifying the severity of the judgment and the gravity of Meroz's inaction. This **Anaphora** (repetition at the beginning of clauses) underscores the divine imperative and the profound disappointment in Meroz. The phrase "the help of the LORD" also uses **Personification**, attributing the need for help directly to God, thereby elevating the conflict from a mere human skirmish to a divine undertaking that demands human participation. Furthermore, the command to "curse ye bitterly" could be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the divine displeasure and the dire consequences for those who stand idly by when God calls His people to action. The verse also functions as a powerful **Contrast** to the preceding and following verses, where others are praised for their active participation, highlighting Meroz's failure through juxtaposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 5:23 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine expectation and human responsibility. It reveals that in the economy of God's redemptive plan, neutrality is often interpreted as opposition, and inaction in the face of a clear divine call can incur severe consequences. The "angel of the LORD" pronouncing the curse underscores that the battle was not merely a human endeavor but a divine one, and therefore, withholding support was tantamount to abandoning God Himself. This teaches us that God's purposes, while sovereignly accomplished, often involve the active, willing participation of His people, and their failure to engage can have spiritual repercussions. It challenges the notion that passive observation is harmless, asserting that in crucial moments of spiritual warfare or kingdom advancement, a failure to "come to the help of the LORD" is a serious offense.

* [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion from the Assembly")
* [Matthew 12:30](/matthew/12-30 "Matthew 12:30 - He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me")
* [James 4:17](/james/4-17 "James 4:17 - Sin of Omission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 5:23 serves as a stark and challenging reminder for believers today. It compels us to examine our own lives and ask whether we are actively engaged in "the help of the LORD" or if we are passively observing from the sidelines. In a world grappling with spiritual battles, social injustices, and the urgent need for the Gospel, this verse calls us beyond mere intellectual assent to active, sacrificial participation. It warns against the spiritual apathy that can lead to inaction, reminding us that God often chooses to work through His people, and our willingness to step forward in faith, even in uncomfortable or challenging circumstances, is a demonstration of our loyalty to Him. Our choices, both of action and inaction, have spiritual weight and contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes in the world. This passage encourages us to identify where God is at work and to eagerly offer our strength, resources, and prayers to His cause, rather than risking the bitter curse of Meroz through indifference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community might God be calling you to "come to the help of the LORD" that you have been neglecting?**
* **How does the concept of "neutrality as opposition" challenge your understanding of Christian discipleship and engagement with the world?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to actively participate in God's work, rather than remaining a passive observer?**

### FAQ
**What does "the angel of the LORD" mean in this context, and why is it significant that he pronounces the curse?**

Answer: "The angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: *mal'akh Yahweh*) is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often understood as a divine manifestation or a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. In Judges 5:23, the angel's pronouncement of the curse on Meroz is highly significant because it elevates the condemnation from a human judgment to a divine one. It emphasizes that Meroz's failure to come "to the help of the LORD" was not merely a military misstep or a social slight against Israel, but a direct offense against God Himself. This highlights the sacred nature of the battle and the gravity of Meroz's inaction in the eyes of divine justice, underscoring that the call to arms was God's own call, and failure to respond was a direct affront to divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 5:23 speaks of a historical curse for inaction in a physical battle, its deeper theological resonance finds profound fulfillment in Christ. The "help of the LORD" that Meroz failed to provide foreshadows the ultimate "help" that humanity desperately needed, a help that only God Himself could provide through His Son. Unlike Meroz, who withheld their strength, Jesus Christ did not remain neutral or passive in the face of humanity's greatest battle against sin, death, and the devil. Instead, He actively "came to the help of the LORD" by perfectly fulfilling the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). His decisive victory on the cross and resurrection is the ultimate "help" for all who believe, delivering us from the "mighty" spiritual foes that we could not overcome on our own ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the curse on Meroz for their failure to join God's battle serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of rejecting or ignoring God's call. In the New Covenant, the call is to follow Christ and participate in His spiritual kingdom, taking up our cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Take Up Your Cross")). Those who are "not with me are against me" ([Matthew 12:30](/matthew/12-30 "He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me")), emphasizing that true neutrality towards Christ is impossible. Thus, Meroz's failure underscores the necessity of active faith and obedience to the ultimate Commander, Jesus, who calls us not to a physical battle, but to participate in the spread of His Gospel and the advancement of His spiritual kingdom, empowered by the very Spirit of God who helps us in our weaknesses ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Helps Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 21:9

For the people were numbered, and, behold, [there were] none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there.

Judges 21:10

And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Nehemiah 3:5

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

Jeremiah 48:10

Cursed [be] he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed [be] he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?