When God's Soldiers Avoid Fighting

During the time of the biblical judges, God gave Israel a great victory over their enemies. Led by Deborah and Barak, many tribes gathered and fought bravely. With God’s help, they soundly defeated their oppressors.

However, some tribes chose not to join the fight. They were not blocked or unable to help; they simply chose to stay behind. Because of this, they missed the honor of defending their homeland.

The song in Judges 5:1-18 records the apathy (lack of concern) and cowardice of these tribes. This song preserved their foolish choices for future generations to see.

Reuben Stayed with the Sheep

The tribe of Reuben chose to stay home with the sheep. They preferred listening to peaceful music for their flocks rather than defending their brothers against the wolves of Hazor.

Reuben lived across the Jordan River, isolated from the rest of Israel. They decided to stay on their side of the river and avoid getting involved. Their cowardice led to deep regret, and they were left out of the list of the brave.

Dan and Asher Stayed in Comfort

The tribes of Dan and Asher stayed in the comfort of their harbors and ships. Joining the fight meant leaving their homes and sea trades, which they were unwilling to do.

They stand in sharp contrast to Zebulun and Naphtali. Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives in battle and earned a name of honor among the people of God.

The Battle Rages Today

Today, a spiritual battle is raging between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. All of God’s children are called to fight daily, giving the enemy no ground.

Just as in the days of Deborah, God will fight for us, but He still commands us to participate. In every community, the battle is active, yet not everyone is willing to stand up and fight.

Spiritual Reubenites in the Church

There are members of the church today who act like the tribe of Reuben. They separate themselves from other believers and refuse to get involved.

They may attend Sunday services and wear the name of Christ, but they do not build close bonds with their brethren (spiritual family). Instead, they prefer the company of the world.

These individuals are not necessarily wicked, but they are apathetic (indifferent). They sit comfortably on the sidelines while others do the work. When the battle is over, they will face the hard realization that they did not contribute to the victory.

”The Battle is Going Fine Without Me”

Some might excuse themselves by saying they aren’t needed. While Barak gathered ten thousand men to fight, many more could have shared in the honor of victory.

We do not fight because the church is desperate for help; we fight because it is the right thing to do. We are called to contend (fight earnestly) for the faith. Every single Christian is necessary.

As the famous quote goes:

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Spiritual Dan and Asher

Others follow the pattern of Dan and Asher, choosing comfort over service. Franklin Camp, whose writing inspired this article, observed:

“Are there no Dan and Ashers in the church today? The pews at eleven o’clock are full of them. Like Asher, they have their havens on Sunday night—the haven of television. The Dans have their business through the week and you need not call them for duty. Neither can they make it to mid-week Bible study, as they need the rest to have a fresh mind and a rested body to take care of their business on Thursday. But what about the faithful few that are always ready to hearken [listen and obey] to the call? Do they have neither business nor havens of rest? Yes, but their chief business is the Lord’s and they find their rest in Him.”

Where Do You Stand?

The battle is raging right now. Where are you?

Are you sitting among the sheep, isolated from your spiritual family? Are you resting in the comfort of your boat, too busy with your own projects to help your brethren?

Or are you in the thick of the fight, risking everything and trusting in the strong arm of the Lord? Do others find you facing the enemy bravely on the front lines?

We must answer these questions honestly. It is far better to examine your heart now, while you can repent and join the fight, than to face eternity regretting your inaction.