Judges 5:19-22

The Battle of Megiddo. The waters of Megiddo were tributaries of the Kishon. Taanach and Megiddo (p. 30) were both towns on the left bank of the river. The battle-field of Megiddo long afterwards suggested the name of the last weird battle of the nations the apocalyptic Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).

Judges 5:20. The very stars take part in the fight a magnificent poetical way of saying that all the forces of the universe are arrayed on the side of righteousness. The battle must have been fought in winter or spring. Yahweh's storm-clouds burst, and the swollen river swept many of Israel's enemies away. In Judges 5:22 b there is an attempt to imitate the galloping of horses in flight.

Judges 5:23. The curse of Meroz brands with everlasting guilt and shame an otherwise long-forgotten town, whose inhabitants missed the greatest opportunity ever given to man or nation the opportunity of helping God. Venturing nothing, Meroz lost everything that men of honour care to live for, while she earned the coward's curse. This verse was a favourite text of the old Covenanters. Instead of against the mighty one may equally well read among the heroes; a great idea either way.