Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 19

Verses 1-14

The last section in the prophet's revelation of the righteousness of reprobation consists of his lament over the fallen princes of Judah. He first referred to Jehoahaz, the son and successor of Josiah, who was carried captive to Egypt. His mother, Judah, the prophet described as a lioness couched among lions, and nourishing her whelps. One of them was ensnared, and brought to Egypt. The mother disappointed, took another of her whelps.

The reference here is undoubtedly to Jehoiachin, who, after a brief reign in which he won certain victories, was carried away captive to Babylon.

The last moment in the lament has to do with the failure of Zedekiah and the ruin wrought by him. The mother is now likened to a vine which once was fruitful, and out of which grew strong rods as rulers. Her present condition is then described in contrast. Plucked up in fury, her strong rulers ceased, and out of her rods went forth a fire that destroyed. That is to say, Judah's final destruction had come through those having rule over her, and the reference undoubtedly was to Zedekiah.