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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 5:9. It’s a really important and slightly surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: The verse is about respecting the rulers of Israel. It’s not praising them or celebrating their efforts, but rather expressing a feeling of understanding and acceptance of what they were doing. Let's unpack it word by word: “My heart [is] toward…” – This is a crucial part. The verb “is” here means "is" or "feels." It’s not that the speaker likes the governors; it’s that they feel a certain way about them. It suggests a sense of… acceptance, perhaps even a bit of pity. “…the governors of Israel…” – This is the core of the verse. It refers to the leaders of Israel - the kings and officials who were responsible for the country. "...that offered themselves willingly among the people." – This is the key part that’s a little unusual. The verse describes them offering themselves willingly . This suggests they weren't forced or coerced into it. It implies a genuine desire to serve and contribute to the community. “Bless ye the LORD.” – This is a prayer, an expression of gratitude and reverence. It’s a way of saying "May God bless you." So, what does this verse mean ? It suggests that the Israelites were recognizing the responsibility of their rulers to serve their people. It's a recognition that these officials were doing their best within the constraints of their position. The speaker felt a sense of understanding and perhaps even a little sympathy for those who were trying to provide for the nation. Why is this important? This verse has historical significance because it shows a degree of understanding from the perspective of the Israelites, even amidst political turmoil. It’s not a condemnation of the governors – it’s more about acknowledging their actions and offering a quiet respect. In short: The verse expresses a feeling of understanding and acceptance towards the leaders of Israel, recognizing their duty to serve the people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss this verse in more detail (perhaps its historical context)?