Shofetim 5:9

9 My lev is toward the ones ruling in Yisroel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Barachu Hashem.

Shofetim 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.

Shofetim 5:9 In-Context

7 The warrior ceased, they ceased in Yisroel, until I, Devorah, arose, I Em B’Yisroel arose.

8 They chose elohim chadashim when war was at the she’arim (gates); was there a mogen or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Yisroel?

9 My lev is toward the ones ruling in Yisroel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Barachu Hashem.

10 Reflect, ye that ride on white donkeys, ye that sit on saddle blankets, and walk on the derech.

11 The voice of the singers in the place of drawing mayim, there shall they rehearse the Tzidkot Hashem, even the Tzidkot of His warriors in Yisroel; then shall HaAm Hashem go down to the she’arim.