Ezekiel 19:2

and say: 'What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs.

Study Bible

and say:
This phrase introduces a lament or a prophetic message. In the context of Ezekiel, it is a directive from God to the prophet to deliver a specific message. Laments were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often used to express mourning or impending doom.

‘What was your mother?
The "mother" here symbolizes the nation of Israel, specifically the kingdom of Judah. In biblical literature, nations and cities are often personified as women, particularly mothers, to convey their nurturing or foundational roles.

A lioness among the lions!
The lioness represents strength, power, and nobility. In the ancient Near East, lions were symbols of royalty and dominance. Judah, as a lioness, suggests a once-powerful nation among other strong nations. This imagery is consistent with Jacob's blessing over Judah in Genesis 49:9, where Judah is likened to a lion.

She lay down among the young lions;
This indicates that Judah was once at ease and secure among other powerful nations or leaders. The "young lions" could represent the princes or leaders of Judah, suggesting a time when the nation was thriving and its leaders were strong.

she reared her cubs.
The "cubs" symbolize the kings or leaders that came from Judah. This phrase highlights the role of the nation in nurturing and raising its leaders. Historically, this could refer to the line of Davidic kings, emphasizing the royal lineage and the responsibilities of the nation to produce and support its rulers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. Mother (Lioness)
Symbolically represents the nation of Israel or the royal house of Judah, often depicted as a lioness for its strength and nobility.

3. Young Lions
Represents the princes or leaders of Israel, specifically the kings of Judah, who were raised in power and authority.

4. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time of judgment and reflection for the Israelites.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, from which the royal lineage of David came, often symbolized by a lion.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Strength and Nobility
The lioness symbolizes strength and nobility, qualities that God intended for Israel. Reflect on how God calls us to live with strength and integrity in our own lives.

Leadership and Responsibility
The young lions represent leaders who were raised with potential and responsibility. Consider how we are called to lead in our communities and families with wisdom and accountability.

Consequences of Actions
The context of exile reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God. Reflect on the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God.

Hope in Restoration
Despite the judgment, there is hope for restoration. Trust in God's promises and His ability to restore and redeem even in difficult circumstances.

Legacy and Influence
The lioness rearing her cubs speaks to the influence of one generation on the next. Consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations in terms of faith and values.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a lioness and her cubs in Ezekiel 19:2 reflect the intended role of Israel among the nations?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of leadership failures in our own communities, and how can we address them biblically?

3. How does the symbolism of the lion in both the Old and New Testaments enhance our understanding of Jesus' role as the Lion of Judah?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for the next generation?

5. How can we find hope and encouragement in God's promises of restoration, even when facing personal or communal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:9
Judah is described as a lion's cub, establishing the lion imagery for the tribe of Judah.

Hosea 5:14
God uses the imagery of a lion to describe His judgment, similar to the judgment context in Ezekiel.

Revelation 5:5
Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, connecting the royal lineage and messianic prophecy.