Judges 5:9

9 My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Praise the Lord!

Judges 5:9 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 5:9

My heart is towards the governors of Israel
Most of the Jewish commentators interpret this of their wise men and Scribes, who were willing to teach the people the law and the commandments, even in times of trouble, and did not cease from doing it on that account, and therefore Deborah praises them for it; so the Targum; but Kimchi and Ben Melech understand by them the great men of the nation, their nobles and rulers, who enacted good laws and statutes; or at least took care to see that the good laws they had were put in execution; and these had a share in the affections and good wishes of Deborah, and that chiefly for the following reason:

that offered themselves willingly among the people;
to go along with them, and march at the head of them, to fight Sisera and his army; thereby setting a good example, and animating the people to battle, and inspiring them with courage and intrepidity; when they saw their chiefs and the heads of them exposing their lives with them in defence of their country, and the rights of it:

bless ye the Lord;
for giving them such spirits, to engage so willingly in this service, and for giving them success in it.

Judges 5:9 In-Context

7 Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah, I arose, a mother in Israel.
8 Israel chose new gods, then war was in the gates. Not a shield or spear was seen among 40,000 in Israel.
9 My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Praise the Lord!
10 You who ride on white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and who travel on the road, give praise!
11 Let them tell the righteous acts of the Lord, the righteous deeds of His warriors in Israel, with the voices of the singers at the watering places. Then the Lord's people went down to the gates.
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