Ezekiel

Ezekiel 19:1-4

The lamentation is for the princes of Israel, the final kings of the nation of Judah.  Judah is likened to a lioness.  She has found her place among the nations, the other lions.  One of her cubs, Jehoahaz, was brought up to be a lion.  He became famous among the nations for his evil actions.  He was 23 when he became King and reigned just 3 months.  He devoured men until he was trapped, captured by Pharaoh Necho.  He was taken away to Egypt in Chains (2 Kings 23:31-34).  Pharaoh Necho set up Jehoiakim as King. 

Ezekiel 19:5-9

Jehoiakim is not mentioned a s cub.  He is skipped in this lamentation, except for the idea of losing their hope.  This loss of hope came from placing it in Egypt and not the Lord.  The second cub is Jehoiachin.  He began to reign at 18 years old for just 3 months.  See 2 Kings 24:8-12).  He was captured by Nebuchadnezzar and taken to Babylon.  The roar of that lion desolated the land (7).  The Roar was silenced and wouldn't be heard in the land again. 

Ezekiel 19:10-14

Israel had been likened to a lioness is now seen as a vine, a common image used for Israel in the bible as seen in chapter 15.  She was like a vine in the bloodline, fruitful and thriving.  She had strong branches that ruled the land.  She was prominent in her place among other vines.  But now, she was plucked up and cast out.  A vine that bears no fruit has no value.  The vine is transplanted in the desert.  This shows Judah in captivity.  There was no strong branch, no king to hold the scepter for ruling. 

The lamentation may well have said, 'Oh but for a King of kings, a strong scepter, a strong branch, to rule and shepherd her people!"  There was a longing for Jesus before they knew what that longing was.  It was a longing for Messiah who would rule just and righteous and stand against the nations that would oppress.  This branch would also hold his people accountable.    

©2019 Doug Ford