Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 5:23. It’s a really important and impactful part of the story about a terrible disaster that happened in Meroz. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Meroz was a city. It was a significant place in ancient Israel, and it was suffering greatly. The people didn't help. The people of Meroz refused to stand up for God when He needed them. They weren’t offering their support or strength to Him. God is angry. The angel of the LORD (a powerful messenger) is furious because the people didn’t do what was right – they didn't help in a crucial way. What the Verse Says - A Bit More Detail: “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.” "Curse ye Meroz..." – This is a direct command from God. He’s saying he will punish Meroz harshly. "...said the angel of the LORD." - This indicates this is a serious and important message from God. "... curse ye bitterly..." – The angel isn't just saying something; he’s emphasizing how much he despises the people's lack of help. It’s a strong, deliberate expression of his anger. "...the inhabitants thereof." - This refers to the people of Meroz specifically. It means they were the ones who refused to stand with God. "Because they came not to the help of the LORD..." – This is the core of the verse. They didn’t want to be helpful for God. "...to the help of the LORD, against the mighty." – This is a really powerful phrase. “The mighty” refers to God’s power and might. The people were resisting God's power and offering themselves as a challenge, essentially being "against" Him. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for a significant event in the Bible – a devastating war and a major loss of life. It shows that not helping God can have serious consequences. It’s a warning about not ignoring God's calls, and it highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event in the Bible (like the story of Meroz)? Give you another verse from Judges or other parts of the Old Testament?