King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 19:3 Mean?
“And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.”
Context
1
Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,
2
And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
3
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
4
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
5
Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **It became a young lion.**—There can be no doubt (see Ezekiel 19:4) of the reference of this to Jehoahaz. After the death of Josiah, “the people of the land took Jehoahaz, the son of Josiah . . . and made him king” (2Kings 23:30). In Ezekiel 19:6 Jehoiachin is also spoken of particularly. These two are mentioned as examples of all the other kings after Josiah. Jehoiakim and Zedekiah are simply passed over, although it may be that the prophet looked upon them as creatures of Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar rather than as legitimate kings of Israel. Jehoiakim, moreover, died in Jerusalem, and Zedekiah was at this moment still upon the throne.
**It devoured men.**—This at once keeps up the figure, and has also its special justification in the evil courses of Jehoahaz (2Kings 23:32). He is represented as growing up and being like the heathen kings around. See also, in Ezekiel 19:2, Israel as a whole is represented as going aside from her high calling as a theocracy, and making herself “like the nations round about.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel 19:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezekiel 19:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge