Judges 5:23 Curse you Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse you bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD… In a way that in some respects reminds us of the German prophetess Velleda, of the British queen Boadicea, and of the French peasant girl Joan of Arc, does Deborah revive the national spirit, and summon the people to repel the national foes. In this verse she utters true scorn for those who were inactive and self-contained in a time when the nation was in its throes for liberty and independence. I. OUR WORK FOR CHRIST IS VERY ANALOGOUS TO WAR. 1. In its fierce opposition. 2. In its reverses of victory and defeat. 3. In its call for a sacrifice. II. NEGLECT OF SUCH WORK INVOLVES US IN A CURSE. 1. The reproachful cry of the world's sin and sorrow. 2. Conscious separation from God. Common aim and common work are indispensable for true fellowship. 3. Loss of the rewards of true service. 4. Rebuke of Christ: "Ye did it not." (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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