Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD! New Living Translation My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with those who volunteered for war. Praise the LORD! English Standard Version My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD. Berean Standard Bible My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! King James Bible My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD. New King James Version My heart is with the rulers of Israel Who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless the LORD! New American Standard Bible “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! NASB 1995 “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! NASB 1977 “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! Legacy Standard Bible My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless Yahweh! Amplified Bible “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel, The volunteers among the people; Bless the LORD! Christian Standard Bible My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Blessed be the LORD! Holman Christian Standard Bible My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Praise the LORD! American Standard Version My heart is toward the governors of Israel, That offered themselves willingly among the people: Bless ye Jehovah. Contemporary English Version I praise you, LORD, and I am grateful for those leaders and soldiers who volunteered. English Revised Version My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people: bless ye the LORD. GOD'S WORD® Translation My heart goes out to Israel's commanders, to those people who volunteered. Praise the LORD! Good News Translation My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with the people who gladly volunteered. Praise the LORD! International Standard Version My heart is for the commanders of Israel, to those who work willingly among the people. Bless the LORD! NET Bible My heart went out to Israel's leaders, to the people who answered the call to war. Praise the LORD! New Heart English Bible My heart is toward the leaders of Israel, who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD. Webster's Bible Translation My heart is towards the governors of Israel that offered themselves willingly among the people: Bless ye the LORD. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMy heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! World English Bible My heart is toward the governors of Israel, who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless Yahweh! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMy heart [is] to the lawgivers of Israel, "" Who are offering themselves willingly among the people, "" Bless YHWH! Young's Literal Translation My heart is to the lawgivers of Israel, Who are offering themselves willingly among the people, Bless ye Jehovah! Smith's Literal Translation My heart to the leaders of Israel, Those giving voluntarily among the people: Praise ye Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMy heart loveth the princes of Israel: O you that of your own good will offered yourselves to danger, bless the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version My heart loves the leaders of Israel. All you who, of your own free will, offered yourselves during a crisis, bless the Lord. New American Bible My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the dedicated ones of the people—bless the LORD; New Revised Standard Version My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMy heart said to the lawgiver of Israel, They that are chosen among the people bless the LORD. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated My heart said to The Lawgiver of Israel: “Those who are set apart among the people have blessed LORD JEHOVAH” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917My heart is toward the governors of Israel, That offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD. Brenton Septuagint Translation My heart inclines to the orders given in Israel; ye that are willing among the people, bless the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Song of Deborah and Barak…8When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. 9My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD! 10You who ride white donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, and you who travel the road, ponder… Cross References Exodus 18:21 Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 1 Samuel 12:6-7 Then Samuel said to the people, “The LORD is the One who appointed Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. / Now present yourselves, so that I may confront you before the LORD with all the righteous acts He has done for you and your fathers. Nehemiah 11:2 And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 12:32-33 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. / From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David. 2 Chronicles 17:16 and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. Psalm 110:3 Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth. Isaiah 1:26 I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning. After that you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.” Isaiah 32:1-2 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. / Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. Jeremiah 5:5 I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. Ezekiel 22:30 I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... Luke 22:25-27 So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. John 13:13-17 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ... Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them Treasury of Scripture My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless you the LORD. offered Judges 5:2 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. 1 Chronicles 29:9 Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. 2 Corinthians 8:3,4,12,17 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; … Jump to Previous Bless Commanders Heart Israel Israel's Offered Offering Praise Princes Rulers Themselves Towards Willing Willingly YourselvesJump to Next Bless Commanders Heart Israel Israel's Offered Offering Praise Princes Rulers Themselves Towards Willing Willingly YourselvesJudges 5 1. The Song of Deborah and BarakMy heart is with the princes of Israel This phrase reflects a deep emotional connection and solidarity with the leaders of Israel. In the context of Judges, the "princes" likely refer to the tribal leaders or military commanders who played a crucial role in the battle against the Canaanite oppressors. The term "princes" can also denote nobility or those with authority, emphasizing the importance of leadership in God's deliverance. This aligns with the biblical theme of God raising leaders to guide His people, as seen with figures like Moses and Joshua. The heart's alignment with these leaders suggests a unity and shared purpose in fulfilling God's will. with the volunteers among the people Bless the LORD! Persons / Places / Events 1. DeborahA prophetess and judge of Israel who, along with Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite army. Her song in Judges 5 celebrates this victory. 2. Princes of Israel Leaders or tribal chiefs who played a significant role in rallying the people for battle against their oppressors. 3. Volunteers among the people The men and women of Israel who willingly offered themselves to fight against the Canaanites, demonstrating courage and faith. 4. The LORD The God of Israel, who is praised for His deliverance and faithfulness to His people. 5. Canaanites The oppressors of Israel during this period, led by Sisera, whom God delivered into the hands of the Israelites. Teaching Points The Importance of LeadershipGodly leaders, like the princes of Israel, are crucial in guiding and inspiring others to follow God's will. The Power of Willing Service The volunteers' willingness to fight reflects the heart of true service to God, which is done out of love and devotion rather than obligation. Praise as a Response to Victory Deborah's song reminds us to always give credit and praise to God for victories and blessings in our lives. Unity in Purpose The collaboration between leaders and volunteers highlights the strength found in unity when God's people work together for a common cause. God's Faithfulness The victory over the Canaanites is a testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His people when they trust and obey Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 5:9?2. How can we honor leaders who willingly offer themselves, as in Judges 5:9? 3. What does Judges 5:9 teach about the importance of volunteer leadership? 4. How does Judges 5:9 connect with Romans 12:1 on self-sacrifice? 5. In what ways can we "bless the LORD" for leaders today? 6. How can we encourage others to willingly serve, following Judges 5:9's example? 7. What is the significance of Judges 5:9 in the context of Israel's leadership? 8. How does Judges 5:9 reflect the role of leaders in biblical times? 9. What does Judges 5:9 reveal about the relationship between leaders and the people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 5? 11. What divine joy and wisdom do the Odes reveal? 12. How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)? 13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? 14. Judges 4:9 features a prophecy about Sisera's defeat by a woman--could this be a later editorial addition that conflicts with the main story? What Does Judges 5:9 Mean my heart is with the princes of IsraelJudges 5:9 opens with Deborah’s declaration: “My heart is with the princes of Israel.” She is publicly aligning her deepest affections with the tribal leaders who courageously stepped forward in battle (Judges 4:6–10). • This unity of leader and prophet echoes Moses and Joshua standing together in Exodus 17:9–13 and Joshua 1:16–18. • Good leaders who fear God bring joy to their people (Proverbs 29:2); Deborah’s “heart” resonates with them, not in abstract sentiment but in genuine partnership (2 Samuel 5:2; Hebrews 13:7). • By naming the princes first, Scripture affirms the importance of godly leadership that sets the tone for national faithfulness (Judges 5:15; 1 Chronicles 12:32). with the volunteers among the people Deborah immediately widens her embrace to “the volunteers among the people,” celebrating everyone who willingly rallied to the Lord’s call. • Judges 5:2 already praised “the people who volunteered,” underscoring that victory came through willing hearts, not forced conscripts. • This spirit of free-will service parallels Exodus 35:29, where Israelites “willingly” brought offerings for the tabernacle, and Psalm 110:3, “Your people will volunteer in the day of Your power.” • Nehemiah 11:2 blesses those who “volunteered” to live in Jerusalem for God’s purposes, showing the ongoing biblical pattern of voluntary devotion. • In the New Testament, the principle carries into Christian ministry: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) and believers are urged to “serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). bless the LORD! The crescendo of the verse is worship: “Bless the LORD!” Gratitude must rise to God, because He is the true Deliverer (Judges 5:3, 31). • Throughout Scripture, victories prompt immediate praise—compare Miriam’s song after the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1–21) and David’s doxology in 2 Samuel 22:1–4. • Psalm 103:1 calls, “Bless the LORD, O my soul,” mirroring Deborah’s impulse that every triumph and every act of obedience should end in thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 29:20; Revelation 5:12). • Blessing the LORD shifts the spotlight from human heroes to the God who empowers both leaders and volunteers (Psalm 115:1). summary Judges 5:9 celebrates covenant harmony: leaders who step up, people who step forward, and a nation that looks up in praise. Deborah’s heart beat with the princes, her arms extended to every willing volunteer, and together they lifted their voices to bless the LORD who gave the victory. (9) My heart is toward the governors of Israel.--The fact that even in this extremity Israel had men (literally, law-givers) who were willing to brave any danger to rescue their people fills Deborah with gratitude to them and to God.Among the people.--When the leaders moved, the people moved with them. Verse 9. - What a contrast with that fainthearted submission was the recent triumphant rising! Exultation and thanksgiving for the devotion of the people break out again, as in ver. 2.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew My heartלִבִּי֙ (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre is with the princes לְחוֹקְקֵ֣י (lə·ḥō·wq·qê) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 2710: To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc with the volunteers הַמִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֖ים (ham·miṯ·nad·də·ḇîm) Article | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5068: To impel, to volunteer, to present spontaneously among the people. בָּעָ֑ם (bā·‘ām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Bless בָּרֲכ֖וּ (bā·ră·ḵū) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse the LORD! יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Judges 5:9 NIVJudges 5:9 NLT Judges 5:9 ESV Judges 5:9 NASB Judges 5:9 KJV Judges 5:9 BibleApps.com Judges 5:9 Biblia Paralela Judges 5:9 Chinese Bible Judges 5:9 French Bible Judges 5:9 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 5:9 My heart is toward the governors (Jd Judg. 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