SCRIPTURE: EZEKIEL 19
A LAMENT FOR ISRAEL PRINCES (vs. 1-14)
THE LAMENT IS COMPOSED OF TWO IMAGES:
- The Lioness – symbolized the nation of Judah and the two rulers of the land who were taken captive. First cub was Jehoahaz who was taken captive to Egypt. The second cub was either Jehoiachin or Zedekiah who were taken captive to Babylon.
- The Vine – Ezekiel spoke to Zedekiah that the vine would be withered by the east wind, plucked up and planted in Babylon. That was the end of David’s line until the birth of Jesus Christ.
THOUGHTS:
The illustrations of the lioness showed that Judah has no hope for a quick return from exile and no escape from the approaching Babylonian empire.
The branches of the vine would be cut off and uprooted by the desert wind – the powerful Babylonian army. Judah’s political and military might could not save the nation.