Judges 5:9

9 My heart is toward the governors of Yisra'el, Who offered themselves willingly among the people: Bless you 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 The rulers ceased in Yisra'el, they ceased, Until that I Devorah arose, That I arose a mother in Yisra'el.

8 They chose new gods; Then was war in the gates: Was there a shield or spear seen Among forty thousand in Yisra'el?

9 My heart is toward the governors of Yisra'el, Who offered themselves willingly among the people: Bless you the LORD.

10 Tell [of it], you who ride on white donkeys, You who sit on rich carpets, You who walk by the way.

11 Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, There shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [Even] the righteous acts of his rule in Yisra'el. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates.