Ezekiel 19:6
He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.
He prowled among the lions
This phrase suggests a setting where the subject is among other powerful and influential figures, symbolized by "lions." In biblical literature, lions often represent strength, authority, and royalty. The imagery of prowling indicates a sense of restlessness and ambition. In the context of Ezekiel, this could refer to the leaders of Israel or Judah, who were meant to be strong and protective but often became corrupt. The lion imagery is also used in other scriptures, such as in Genesis 49:9, where Judah is likened to a lion's cub, indicating royal lineage and power.

and became a young lion
The transformation into a "young lion" signifies the development of strength and potential for leadership. This could be seen as a reference to the rise of a young ruler or prince in Judah, possibly Jehoiachin or another king who came to power with great promise. The term "young lion" implies vigor and a readiness to assert dominance. In a broader biblical context, this transformation can be seen as a warning against the misuse of power, as young leaders often face the temptation to rule with aggression rather than wisdom.

After learning to tear his prey
This phrase indicates a progression from potential to action, where the young lion learns to hunt and assert its dominance. In a historical context, this could refer to the aggressive policies or military campaigns undertaken by the kings of Judah. The act of tearing prey symbolizes the exercise of power, often through violence or oppression. This imagery is echoed in other prophetic writings, such as in Hosea 5:14, where God describes Himself as a lion to Israel, emphasizing judgment and the consequences of sin.

he devoured men
The culmination of the young lion's development is seen in the destructive impact on others, represented by "devouring men." This phrase highlights the consequences of unchecked power and the moral decline of leadership. In the context of Ezekiel, it serves as a critique of the kings of Judah who led their people astray, resulting in social injustice and spiritual decay. This imagery of devouring is also found in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 5:8 warns believers to be vigilant against the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion seeking to devour. This serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of sin and the need for righteous leadership.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He delivers God's messages to the Israelites, often using vivid imagery and allegory.

2. Young Lion
Symbolically represents the leaders or princes of Israel, particularly those who were aggressive and destructive in their rule.

3. Lions
In this context, lions symbolize powerful rulers or nations. The young lion learning to prowl among them suggests a leader adopting the ways of other powerful, often oppressive, rulers.

4. Prey
Represents the people or nations that the young lion (leader) oppresses or destroys.

5. Men
Refers to the victims of the young lion's aggression, symbolizing the people who suffer under unjust leadership.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders have a significant impact on those they govern. Like the young lion, leaders can choose to protect and nurture or to oppress and destroy. Christian leaders are called to follow Christ's example of servant leadership.

Influence of Surroundings
The young lion learned from other lions. This highlights the importance of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives. Christians are encouraged to surround themselves with godly influences.

Consequences of Sinful Behavior
The young lion's destructive behavior leads to judgment. This serves as a reminder that sin has consequences, and unchecked aggression or pride can lead to downfall.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Despite the young lion's power, God remains sovereign and will bring justice. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority and justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a young lion in Ezekiel 19:6 reflect the behavior and consequences of Israel's leaders during Ezekiel's time?

2. In what ways can Christian leaders today ensure they are leading with integrity and not becoming like the young lion in Ezekiel 19:6?

3. How does the company we keep influence our behavior, as seen in the young lion learning from other lions? What steps can we take to ensure positive influences in our lives?

4. Compare the destructive lion in Ezekiel 19:6 with the Lion of Judah in Revelation 5:5. What characteristics of Christ's leadership can we emulate in our own lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed the consequences of sinful behavior. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's justice and mercy?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:9
This verse also uses the imagery of a lion to describe Judah, highlighting the tribe's strength and leadership, which can be both protective and destructive.

Jeremiah 4:7
Similar imagery is used to describe a lion coming out of its thicket, symbolizing impending judgment and destruction.

Revelation 5:5
The Lion of the tribe of Judah is a title for Christ, contrasting the destructive lion imagery with one of righteous and redemptive power.
A Lamentation for Fallen PrincesW. Jones Ezekiel 19:1-9
Kingly Power AbusedJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 19:1-9
The Downfall of the PrincesJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 19:1-9
People
Ezekiel
Places
Babylon, Egypt
Topics
Beasts, Catch, Devoured, Learned, Learneth, Learning, Lion, Lions, Meat, Midst, Prey, Prowled, Strong, Tear, Walked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 19:6

     5342   hunting

Ezekiel 19:1-14

     5899   lament

Ezekiel 19:2-14

     1431   prophecy, OT methods

Library
"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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