Judges 5:9

9 cor meum diligit principes Israhel qui propria voluntate obtulistis vos discrimini benedicite Domino

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 cessaverunt fortes in Israhel et quieverunt donec surgeret Debbora surgeret mater in Israhel
8 nova bella elegit Dominus et portas hostium ipse subvertit clypeus et hasta si apparuerint in quadraginta milibus Israhel
9 cor meum diligit principes Israhel qui propria voluntate obtulistis vos discrimini benedicite Domino
10 qui ascenditis super nitentes asinos et sedetis in iudicio et ambulatis in via loquimini
11 ubi conlisi sunt currus et hostium est suffocatus exercitus ibi narrentur iustitiae Domini et clementia in fortes Israhel tunc descendit populus Domini ad portas et obtinuit principatum
The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.