Judges 5:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִבִּי֙
My heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#2
לְחֽוֹקְקֵ֣י
is toward the governors
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
הַמִּֽתְנַדְּבִ֖ים
that offered themselves willingly
to impel; hence, to volunteer (as a soldier), to present spontaneously
#5
בָּעָ֑ם
among the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
בָּֽרְכ֖וּ
Bless
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#7
יְהוָֽה׃
ye the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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