Judges 5:9

9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with the people who gladly volunteered. 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 The towns of Israel stood abandoned, Deborah; they stood empty until you came, came like a mother for Israel.
8 Then there was war in the land when the Israelites chose new gods. Of the forty thousand men in Israel, did anyone carry shield or spear?
9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with the people who gladly volunteered. Praise the Lord!
10 Tell of it, you that ride on white donkeys, sitting on saddles, and you that must walk wherever you go.
11 Listen! The noisy crowds around the wells are telling of the Lord's victories, the victories of Israel's people! Then the Lord's people marched down from their cities.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.