EGW WritingsJudges 5

Ellen G. White

Judges 5:1-2

Ye Shall Receive Power

Deborah and Barak, September 7

YRP 259.1

Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Judges 5:1, 2.

Judges 5:1-31

Daughters of God

Deborah

DG 36.5

Deborah the prophet governed Israel during the reign of Jabin, a Canaanite king who was very cruel to the children of Israel. Life in the villages was harsh. The people were plundered and fled to the fortified cities for protection. Then the Lord raised up Deborah, who was like a loving mother to Israel. God sent a message through her to Barak that he should prepare to meet Sisera,Jabin’s general, in battle. Barak refused to go unless Deborah went with him. She agreed, but warned him that because of his lack of faith in the words of the Lord, the honor of killing Sisera would go to a woman, not to Barak.

DG 37.1

The Israelites, having again separated themselves from God by idolatry, were grievously oppressed by [their] enemies. The property and even the lives of the people were in constant danger. Hence the villages and lonely dwellings were deserted, and the people congregated in the walled cities. The highroads were unoccupied, and the people went from place to place by unfrequented byways. At the places for drawing water, many were robbed and even murdered, and to add to their distress, the Israelites were unarmed. Among forty thousand men, not a sword or a spear could be found.

DG 37.2

For twenty years, the Israelites groaned under the yoke of the oppressor; then they turned from their idolatry, and with humiliation and repentance cried unto the Lord for deliverance. They did not cry in vain. There was dwelling in Israel a woman illustrious for her piety, and through her the Lord chose to deliver His people. Her name was Deborah. She was known as a prophetess, and in the absence of the usual magistrates, the people had sought to her for counsel and justice.

DG 37.3

The Lord communicated to Deborah His purpose to destroy the enemies of Israel, and bade her send for a man named Barak, of the tribe of Naphtali, and make known to him the instructions which she had received. She accordingly sent for Barak, and directed him to assemble ten thousand men of the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, and make war upon the armies of King Jabin.

DG 37.4

Barak knew the scattered, disheartened, and unarmed condition of the Hebrews, and the strength and skill of their enemies. Although he had been designated by the Lord Himself as the one chosen to deliver Israel, and had received the assurance that God would go with him and subdue their enemies, yet he was timid and distrustful. He accepted the message from Deborah as the word of God, but he had little confidence in Israel, and feared that they would not obey his call. He refused to engage in such a doubtful undertaking unless Deborah would accompany him, and thus support his efforts by her influence and counsel. Deborah consented, but assured him that because of his lack of faith, the victory gained should not bring honor to him; for Sisera would be betrayed into the hands of a woman....

DG 38.1

The Israelites had established themselves in a strong position in the mountains, to await a favorable opportunity for an attack. Encouraged by Deborah’s assurance that the very day had come for signal victory, Barak led his army down into the open plain, and boldly made a charge upon the enemy. The God of battle fought for Israel, and neither skill in warfare, nor superiority of numbers and equipment, could withstand them. The hosts of Sisera were panic-stricken; in their terror they sought only how they might escape. Vast numbers were slain, and the strength of the invading army was utterly destroyed. The Israelites acted with courage and promptness; but God alone could have discomfited the enemy, and the victory could be ascribed to Him alone.

DG 38.2

When Sisera saw that his army was defeated, he left his chariot, and endeavored to make his escape on foot, as a common soldier. Approaching the tent of Heber, one of the descendants of Jethro, the fugitive was invited to find shelter there. In the absence of Heber, Jael, his wife, courteously offered Sisera a refreshing draught, and opportunity for repose, and the weary general soon fell asleep.

DG 38.3

Jael was at first ignorant of the character of her guest, and she resolved to conceal him; but when she afterward learned that he was Sisera, the enemy of God and of His people, her purpose changed. As he lay before her asleep, she overcame her natural reluctance to such an act, and slew him by driving a nail through his temples, pinning him to the earth. As Barak, in pursuit of his enemy, passed that way, he was called in by Jael to behold the vainglorious captain dead at his feet—slain by the hand of a woman.

DG 38.4

Deborah celebrated the triumph of Israel in a most sublime and impassioned song. She ascribed to God all the glory of their deliverance, and bade the people praise Him for His wonderful works. She called upon the kings and princes of surrounding nations to hear what God had wrought for Israel, and to take warning not to do them harm. She showed that honor and power belong to God, and not to men, or to their idols. She portrayed the awful exhibitions of divine power and majesty displayed at Sinai. She set before Israel their helpless and distressed condition, under the oppression of their enemies, and related in glowing language the history of their deliverance.—The Signs of the Times, June 16, 1881.

Judges 5:7-8

Reflecting Christ

Deborah’s Support for Barak, November 11

RC 329.1

Village life ... ceased until I, Deborah, arose ... as a mother in Israel. When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates, and not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel. Judges 5:7, 8, N.I.V.

Judges 5:23

Counsels on Health

Ministers to Work on the Gospel Plan

CH 533.2

You will never be ministers after the gospel order till you show a decided interest in medical missionary work, the gospel of healing and blessing and strengthening. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness, that it be not said of you, “Curse ye Meroz, ... curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord.” Judges 5:23....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 10, 1873

2LtMs, Lt 10, 1873, par. 22

God would have Brother Smith visit foreign countries as His missionary if he would do the work of God thoroughly and faithfully. If the same irresponsible position is carried out by him in the future as in the past, the most limited his influence the better. He will not, he cannot, build up any cause. The same lax, irresponsible course he has manifested in his family, and carried out in the office and in the church, disqualify him for being a man after God’s own heart. He does the work of God negligently. The curse of God rested upon Meroz not because guilty of enormous crimes above others, but for neglect. There was a work that Meroz shunned, “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.” Judges 5:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 65a, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 65a, 1878, par. 9

We hope that those who have means trusted out to strangers will see that God’s cause may be benefited by its use. It was placed in their hands by the Lord to test them and prove them, to see if they will render back to the Master His own, when He shall call for it. Means were given them not to hoard or to use for themselves. Those who are murmuring and complaining at the outlay of means in the publishing house and in the meetinghouse had better be at work to act their part, lest they shall be found wanting, by acting the part of Meroz. God gave command, “Curse ye Meroz, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help the Lord, against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 8, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 8, 1889, par. 9

Sabbath was a day of great importance, from its commencement to its close. The Lord was in our midst, moving upon the hearts of the people, and a large number came forward for prayer. On such occasions all my being is put into the work. The judgment of the great day seems to pass before me. I see these souls as they will stand in the day when the judgment shall sit and the books be opened, and everyone is judged according to the deeds done in the body. Before my mind’s eye there seem to stand those who will share the curse of Meroz: “Curse ye Meroz; curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.] The pages of their history, as far as God and heaven are concerned, is one mournful blank. They are trees without fruit. They bring no sheaves to the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 46, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 46, 1890, par. 9

I do not expect to be at your General Conference. I would rather run the other way. I wish Dr. Waggoner could be teacher in the ministerial institute, and think that is his place, but could you see the pitiful condition of things here! I hoped to do something, but to my great sorrow I seem to be in a helpless condition. My brethren, who thought they were doing God service in discouraging my heart, in obstructing my way, in opposing themselves to all that I was in the fear of God trying to do, could they look upon me would see something of their work. They made my work fifty-fold harder than it would otherwise have been. I wonder if these earnest, zealous men, who were engaged in sowing questionings and doubts and resistance and stubbornness in rejecting the counsel of God against themselves, have thought of these words? “Curse ye Meroz, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Judges 5:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 4

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he that settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity, therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. Therefore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.” [Jeremiah 48:10-12.] “And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil. ... The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” [Zephaniah 1:12-14.] “Curse ye Meroz, saith 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.” [Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 8a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 8a, 1893, par. 3

The Lord wants you to come to the meeting and to bring your families, except the little ones who would only tie your hands. Put forth extra exertions. Better, far better, let the business suffer than to neglect the opportunity to hear the messages that God has for you at this time. You need every jot of light you can obtain. You are acquainted with the truth in a measure, but you ought to become better acquainted with the reasons of our faith. Come with your Bibles in your hand, for you ought to have a better knowledge of the sanctifying influence of truth upon heart and character. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege as you are now favored with. You must not now disappoint us. We look to this time as important to have every one come up “to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Judges 5:23

8LtMs, Lt 8a, 1893, par. 6

The Lord calls you to put on the armor of righteousness, and come to this second camp meeting to be held in New Zealand. Come, brethren and sisters, if you have to make a sacrifice to do so. The Lord will bless you in your efforts. God holds you personally responsible for the advancement and honor of His cause in this country. Bear in mind God’s plan was that His people should assemble together to worship not less than three times a year. The Lord has not signified it to be your duty to do this, but he calls you. He wants you to come up “to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Verse 23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 47, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 47, 1894, par. 35

The heavenly intelligences are ready, waiting, to communicate through human agents to our fellow men; but these agents fail to communicate the light which they have received and may receive. Many do nothing for Christ, while the wily foes are diligent, doing much to gain victories over mind and character, working to secure accessions to their disloyal, apostate ranks, employing all their powers against God and Jesus Christ. “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.” [Judges 5:23.] In the day of final reckoning, those who did nothing for God and for the saving of the souls ready to perish, will be numbered with those who work evil; they are involved in the same condemnation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 123, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 123, 1896, par. 4

I am greatly in hope that our people who profess to believe the truth will “Come up to the help of the Lord” as self-denying, self-sacrificing missionaries. [See Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 83, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 83, 1897, par. 1

“Curse ye Moroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they come not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 851—Ellen White in New Zealand

11MR 8.3

You need every jet of light you can obtain. You are acquainted with the truth in a measure, but you ought to become better acquainted with the reasons of our faith. Come with your Bible in your hand, for you ought to have a better knowledge of the sanctifying influence of truth upon heart and character. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege as you are now favored with. You must not now disappoint us. We look to this time as important to have everyone come up “to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty” (Judges 5:23).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 173, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 173, 1898, par. 4

I call upon those who have received light and knowledge to pray most earnestly, and to come up to “the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.] Who are these mighty foes? They are the powers who, in the days of Daniel, hindered the heavenly messenger from convincing the king of Persia of the work he was to do.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 95, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 12

God pronounces a curse against those who refuse to act their part. “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.” [Judges 5:23.] Saving faith will be demonstrated by great activity. Those who do nothing to advance the cause and work of God, and build up His spiritual interests healthfully and soundly in every line, will receive according to their work. They are cumberers of the ground. They know their Master’s will, but do it not.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 150, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 150, 1901, par. 21

You will never be ministers after the gospel order till you show a decided interest in medical missionary work, the gospel of healing and blessing and strengthening. Come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness, that it be not said of you, “Curse ye Meroz, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord.” [Judges 5:23.] ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 21, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 12

“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.” [Judges 5:23.] Let the indifferent ones arouse and do their part in the work of the Lord, lest this curse be spoken against them. Let all who can, give themselves to the long-neglected work in our cities, a work that has been looked at and then passed by on the other side, as the wounded man was passed by by the priest and Levite. Take up the work in the cities, whole-heartedly, intelligently, unselfishly. I am instructed to encourage decided efforts to secure helping hands to do missionary work, to give Bible instruction, and to sell the books containing present truth. Thus skilful work may be done in hunting and fishing for souls. Young men, your help is called for. Make a covenant with God by sacrifice. Take hold of His work. He is your sufficiency. “Be strong, yea, be strong.” [Daniel 10:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 16, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 12

These principles are the foundation of Christian life. When we receive them into our hearts, when we live by them, we shall see the salvation of God. Then will His power rest upon His work as it has not rested since the first days of the message. Then we knew what it meant to see the salvation of God. We understood what God told us. God lives, and He calls upon us to come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. “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.” [Judges 5:23.] God forbid that these words should be spoken of us!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 134, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 134, 1903, par. 1

In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice, “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [See Revelation 12:17; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 38, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 38, 1903, par. 44

The Southern work is before you, as it has been presented to you this morning. A good work has been done, and it has been done in the face of the most trying circumstances. The Lord calls upon us to come up to His help in this needy field. You remember the words, “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.” [Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 239, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 239, 1903, par. 10

Again, I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe; and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standards of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried with a loud voice, “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [See Revelation 12:17; 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18; Judges 5:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 8, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 8, 1909, par. 13

My brother, I would counsel you to continue to seek the Lord earnestly, and then to walk in the best light you have. There is today in behalf of the southern field an urgent call for workmen who will “come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” [Judges 5:23.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 915—Work the Cities While There is Time

11MR 355.2

“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” (Judges 5:23). Let the indifferent ones arouse and do their part in the work of the Lord, lest this curse be spoken against them. Let all who can, give themselves to the long-neglected work in our cities, a work that has been looked at, and then passed by on the other side, as the wounded man was passed by by the priest and Levite. Take up the work in the cities wholeheartedly, intelligently, unselfishly.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1078—“Go Forward”

13MR 395.4

I call upon those who have received light and knowledge to pray most earnestly, and to come up to “the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty” [Judges 5:23]. Who are these mighty foes? They are the powers who in the days of Daniel hindered the heavenly messenger from convincing the king of Persia of the work he was to do.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2

Chapter 35—Servants of Mammon

2T 247.1

As an illustration of the failure on your part to come up to the work of God, as was your privilege, I was referred to these words: “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.” Judges 5:23. What had Meroz done? Nothing. And this was their sin. They came not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.

That I May Know Him

No Room for Shirkers, November 22

TMK 332.1

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. Judges 5:23.

Welfare Ministry

Chapter 16—Preparing for Last-Day Crises and Disasters

WM 139.3

Living by Principle

The Power of Influence

PH048 8.1

Judges 5:23: 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.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 80—To O. A. Olsen

1888 648.1

I do not expect to be at your General Conference. I would rather run the other way. I wish Dr. Waggoner could be teacher in the ministerial institute, and think that is his place, but could you see the pitiful condition of things here! I hoped to do something, but to my great sorrow I seem to be in a helpless condition. My brethren, who thought they were doing God service in discouraging my heart, in obstructing my way, in opposing themselves to all that I was in the fear of God trying to do, could they look upon me, would see something of their work. They made my work fifty-fold harder than it would otherwise have been. I wonder if these earnest, zealous men who were engaged in sowing questionings and doubts and resistance, and stubbornness in rejecting the counsel of God against themselves have thought of these words? “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” (Judges 5:23).