Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Meroz is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is noted for its absence in the battle against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera, which led to a curse being pronounced upon it. The account of Meroz is found in the Song of Deborah, a poetic passage celebrating the victory of Israel over the Canaanites.Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Meroz is found in Judges 5:23. The Berean Standard Bible states: "‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Bitterly curse its inhabitants, for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’" This verse is part of the Song of Deborah, which is sung by the prophetess Deborah and Barak, the son of Abinoam, following their victory over Sisera. Historical and Geographical Context: The exact location of Meroz is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Some scholars suggest it was a town or settlement in the region of Naphtali or near the Kishon River, where the battle took place. The lack of archaeological evidence makes it difficult to pinpoint its precise location. Theological Significance: Meroz is significant in the biblical narrative as an example of the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leaders and His people in times of need. The curse pronounced by the angel of the LORD highlights the expectation of active participation in God's plans and the communal responsibility of the Israelites to support one another in their covenant relationship with God. The mention of Meroz serves as a warning against complacency and indifference in the face of spiritual and communal obligations. It underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, especially during times of conflict and challenge. Interpretation and Lessons: From a theological perspective, the account of Meroz can be seen as a call to action for believers to be vigilant and proactive in their faith. It emphasizes the importance of being aligned with God's purposes and the dangers of neutrality or inaction when faced with moral and spiritual battles. The account of Meroz also reflects the broader biblical theme of divine justice and the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a reminder that God's expectations for His people include not only personal piety but also active engagement in the collective mission of His kingdom. In summary, Meroz stands as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and the serious implications of failing to support God's work. Its mention in the Song of Deborah serves as a powerful reminder of the need for commitment and courage in the service of the LORD. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MerozSmith's Bible Dictionary Meroz(refuge), a place, (Judges 5:23) denounced because its inhabitants had refused to take any part in the struggle with Sisera. Meroz must have been in the neighborhood of the Kishon, but its real position is not known. Possibly it was destroyed in the obedience to the curse. ATS Bible Dictionary MerozAn unknown place in Galilee, cursed in the song of Deborah and Barak for not joining with them against the foes of Israel, Jud 5:23. Probably their vicinity to the scene of conflict, or the opportunity they had of rendering some special assistance, rendered their refusal peculiarly guilty. Easton's Bible Dictionary A plain in the north of Palestine, the inhabitants of which were severely condemned because they came not to help Barak against Sisera (Judges 5:23 Comp. 21:8-10; 1 Samuel 11:7). It has been identified with Marassus, on a knoll to the north of Wady Jalud, but nothing certainly is known of it. Like Chorazin, it is only mentioned in Scripture in connection with the curse pronounced upon it. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEROZme'-roz (meroz; Codex Vaticanus, Meroz; Codex Alexandrinus, Mazor): This name occurs only once in Scripture. The angel of the Lord is represented as invoking curses upon Meroz because the inhabitants "came not to the help of Yahweh" on the day of Deborah and Barak's victory (Judges 5:23). It is a strange fate, shared with Chorazin, to be preserved from oblivion only by the record of a curse. The bitterness in the treatment of Meroz, not found in the references to any of the other delinquents, must be due to the special gravity of her offense. Reuben, Gilead and Dan were far away. This, however, is not true of Asher, who was also absent. Perhaps Meroz was near the field of battle and, at some stage of the conflict, within sight and hearing of the strife. If, when Zebulun "jeopardized their lives unto the death, and Naphtali, upon the high places of the field," they turned a deaf ear and a cold heart to the dire straits of their brethren, this might explain the fierce reproaches of Deborah. Strong's Hebrew 4789. Meroz -- a place in Northern Palestine... Meroz. 4790 . a place in Northern Palestine. Transliteration: Meroz Phonetic Spelling: (may-roze') Short Definition: Meroz. ... NASB Word Usage Meroz (1). Meroz. ... /hebrew/4789.htm - 6k Library The Chaff Driven Away The Fruitless vine Third Day. Devotedness to God. Deborah's Song The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Gamaliel's Counsel The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Letter iii. Having in the Former Two Letters Defined the Doctrine ... Travailing for Souls Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Thesaurus Meroz (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MEROZ. me'-roz (meroz; Codex Vaticanus, Meroz; Codex Alexandrinus, Mazor): This name occurs only once in Scripture. ... /m/meroz.htm - 9k Zaanannim (2 Occurrences) Warriors (75 Occurrences) Townspeople (4 Occurrences) Deborah (10 Occurrences) Merran Meron'othite (1 Occurrence) Bitterly (36 Occurrences) Cursing (53 Occurrences) Oak (22 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Meroz (1 Occurrence)Judges 5:23 Subtopics Meroz: Deborah and Barak Curse the Inhabitants of, in Their Song of Triumph Patriotism: Lacking in The Inhabitants of Meroz Related Terms |
    |