There is a verse in Judges chapter 5 that stands out from all the others of that chapter because it is a curse pronounced in the midst of the praise and blessings, “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” (verse 23).
Not too much is known of Meraz. Only that it was a little village near the river Kishon, and the people of the village were Children of Israel and the Lord was their God. It is not mentioned anymore in the Scripture, and it seems that it was utterly destroyed as a result of this curse put upon it by their own prophetess, Deborah. Why would she utter such a curse upon her own people? Why did God send His angel to bring judgement to pass?
For twenty years the children of Israel were being ruled by hard-hearted Jabin who was king of Canaan. He had a large army, and many of his soldiers rode in iron chariots drawn by horses. The children of Israel were in constant fear of them, and for twenty years they were oppressed. Then they cried to God for help. God spoke to the Prophetess Deborah and told her what to do. She called Barak, and together they planned the battle against the Canaanites.
When they reached Mount Tabor, in the north, the place chosen by God for their camp, they found it to be a perfect spot. From there they could look down and see the little river Kishon winding through the valley below them. Sisera soon heard, and ” … gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him … unto the river of Kishon” (Judges 4:13).
Deborah sent her army down, “And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him” (Judges 4:14).
There was a tremendous battle, but all the while this was going on there were some of the Lord’s people in a little village called Meraz who refused to help when they were so greatly needed. They knew what their duty was, and at first they considered it. ” … For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart” (Judges 5:15-16). They felt the patriotic impulse, and, no doubt, at first determined to join the ranks of their brethren; but while they waited and considered, the counter-call came-the more pleasant and peaceful sound of the bleatings of the sheep. Why exchange this for a battlefield? Or the shepherd songs for the trumpet sound of war.”
So here we have it- the call of duty and the counter-call of comfort and worldly gain and self interests. So they abode among the sheepfolds. ” … Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go …?”(Judges 4:6). “Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds …?” (Judges 5:16).
The men of Meroz are many today. They arc the Lord’s dear people who are not in the battle for God. They know their duty but fear the foe. They know the truth but shrink before Satan’s lies. They fear trouble and shrink from being numbered with the few. They lack the courage of their convictions and call cowardice “caution.” But it is the sin of Meroz! It is the love of ease, the “leave us alone, we want to live our own lives” attitude.
Deborah scorned them, and they deserve scorn still. Our duty and privilege is to serve the Lord. He needs and He wants our help to make His message of salvation known. This is the only message that can deliver those who are held captive by Satan and by sin.