Judges 5:9

9 My heart goes out to Isra'el's leaders and to those among the people who volunteer. All of you, bless ADONAI.

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 Isra'el, they ceased, until you arose, D'vorah, arose a mother in Isra'el.

8 "They chose new gods when war was at the gates. Was there a shield or spear to be seen among Isra'el's forty thousand men?

9 My heart goes out to Isra'el's leaders and to those among the people who volunteer. All of you, bless ADONAI.

10 "You who ride white donkeys, sitting on soft saddle-blankets, and you walking on the road, talk about it!

11 Louder than the sound of archers at the watering-holes will they sound as they retell the righteous acts of ADONAI, the righteous acts of his rulers in Isra'el. "Then ADONAI's people marched down to the gates.