Judges 5 9

Judges 5:9 kjv

My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.

Judges 5:9 nkjv

My heart is with the rulers of Israel Who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless the LORD!

Judges 5:9 niv

My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!

Judges 5:9 esv

My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD.

Judges 5:9 nlt

My heart is with the commanders of Israel,
with those who volunteered for war.
Praise the LORD!

Judges 5 verses

Judges 5 9 Meaning

Judges 5:9 expresses Deborah's deep commendation and personal solidarity with the military leaders of Israel who, by their own free will, volunteered for the difficult and dangerous battle against Sisera's forces. This verse highlights the courageous spirit of self-sacrifice demonstrated by these leaders and implicitly by the people who followed their example, culminating in an urgent call to praise the Lord for inspiring such willing obedience and delivering victory.

Judges 5 9 Context

Judges chapter 5 is known as the "Song of Deborah and Barak," a triumphant poetic recounting of Israel's victory over the Canaanite forces led by Sisera. It complements the narrative in Judges chapter 4. The historical context is a period of oppression (20 years by Jabin, King of Hazor, whose commander was Sisera) during the time of the Judges, marked by spiritual decline and a lack of central authority in Israel. Israel was disarmed and largely defenseless against Sisera's advanced military technology (900 iron chariots). The song celebrates God's miraculous intervention through Deborah, a prophetess and judge, and Barak, the military leader, along with the various Israelite tribes who responded to the call to arms. The verse in focus (Jdg 5:9) directly precedes the vivid description of the battle and functions as an opening commendation for the brave souls who chose to fight, in contrast to other tribes who failed to come to Israel's aid, which is subtly criticized later in the song (Jdg 5:16-17, 23). This highlights the rare but vital voluntary courage in a time of widespread apathy and fear.

Judges 5 9 Word analysis

• My heart: (ליבי, libbi). Refers to Deborah's personal feeling, affection, and inner core. It signifies her profound admiration and solidarity, not just as a prophetess or judge, but from a deeply appreciative individual perspective. It expresses her personal endorsement and strong affirmation of these individuals.
• is with: Implies identification, solidarity, and approval. Deborah aligns herself emotionally and spiritually with the commendable actions of these leaders.
• the commanders: (חוֹקְקֵי, chokkey). This term literally means "lawgivers," "deciders," "those who decree," or "scribes." In the context of battle, it signifies those who establish the military plans, give orders, and determine the course of action – essentially military strategists or generals who set the battle lines or make decrees concerning war. Their role was critical in rallying and leading the fight. They are distinct from the general populace and are seen as leading by example.
• of Israel: Identifies them as leaders belonging to God's covenant people. Their actions are thus framed within the divine narrative of Israel.
• who offered themselves willingly: (הַמִתְנַדְּבִים, hammitnaddəvim). Derived from the verb נָדַב (nadab), meaning "to give freely," "to volunteer," "to be willing," "to make a freewill offering." This is a crucial element. It highlights the voluntary, spontaneous, and non-coerced nature of their service. In a time when Israel often lacked unity and willingness to fight, their voluntary sacrifice stood out, akin to a sacred offering. It speaks to a spirit of zeal and faith, distinguishing them from others who held back.
• among the people: (בָעָם, ba'am). This phrase emphasizes that these commanders were not aloof but acted within or alongside the wider community. It could mean they rose from the people, acting as true representatives, or that they led the charge of volunteering themselves among the broader populace, setting an example for others to follow. Their willingness influenced and perhaps ignited a similar spirit among many.
• Bless the LORD!: (בָּרְכוּ יְהוָה, barkhu Yahweh). This is an immediate, direct imperative call to action. It is an exhortation to praise Yahweh, God's personal covenant name. This command concludes the thought about the commanders' willingness, shifting the focus from human effort back to the divine source. It attributes both the courage of the leaders and the ultimate victory to God.

Words-group analysis:

• My heart is with the commanders of Israel: Deborah's personal and deeply felt commendation for those in leadership roles who chose to step up for God's cause and for Israel's deliverance. This demonstrates Deborah's emotional connection to those who demonstrated faith and courage.
• who offered themselves willingly among the people: This phrase celebrates the self-sacrificial and voluntary spirit, which was a hallmark of true faithfulness in this era. It indicates a readiness to consecrate themselves for battle, stemming from a devoted heart, setting them apart and providing an example. This distinguishes them from the lack of commitment or outright cowardice seen in other tribes or leaders mentioned later in the song.
• Bless the LORD!: This powerful and abrupt concluding command acts as a theological statement. Despite human valor and initiative, the ultimate credit, gratitude, and adoration must be directed towards God. It suggests that it was God who put the willingness in their hearts and provided the victory, thus deserving all the praise.

Judges 5 9 Bonus section

The term chokkey (commanders) in its broader sense could also imply "those who are drawn up," hinting at the organization of battle lines or even those designated by lot, further emphasizing their chosen roles in the engagement. The "willingness" spoken of here stands in stark contrast to a common trend in the period of Judges, where people were often unwilling to respond to God's call or defend their brethren without significant divine intervention or human prodding. The spontaneous offering of themselves, rather than forced conscription, echoes the New Testament principle of willing service to God out of love, not compulsion, (e.g., in monetary giving or serving in the church), and stands as a powerful testament to the Spirit's work.

Judges 5 9 Commentary

Judges 5:9 is Deborah's commendation of courageous leadership and faithful obedience. In a period characterized by widespread spiritual apathy, tribal disunity, and military inferiority against overwhelming odds (Sisera's iron chariots), the willing volunteers stood as shining examples. The leaders praised here are not merely those holding positions, but those who embody a spirit of voluntary sacrifice for God and His people. Their decision to "offer themselves willingly" was a profound act of faith, recognizing that victory came not through superior strength but by God's power through committed service. This verse serves as a reminder that God delights in willing hearts, and true leadership is exemplified by courageous and humble service that inspires others. Ultimately, all credit and praise belong to the Lord, who both inspires such willingness and grants victory. This underscores the theological principle that even humanity's best efforts are divine gifts, prompting immediate and joyful worship.