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"And he became a young lion"

Text: Ezekiel 19:3

CAPTURED BY THE EGYPTIANS

The lioness (Israel) brought up one of her litter of cubs. The raising of princes to rule was a difficult task. Values should have been taught. But this was not the focus. The young lion had learned all the wrong things.

“She brought up one of her cubs,
And he became a young lion;
He learned to catch prey,
And he devoured men.
The nations also heard of him;
He was trapped in their pit,
And they brought him with chains to the land of Egypt.”
Ezekiel 19:3-4

1. Principles of ruling the people.

a) These guiding principles are found in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.

b) Two principles that were disregarded may be highlighted.

i) The king chosen must meet with God’s approval.

ii) He must make time to read the Scriptures diligently.

c) The latter kings of Israel became idolatrous instead.

2. King Josiah

a) He turned out to be a reformer-king.

b) He destroyed many idolatrous shrines.

c) He sought to make Judah to return to the Sinaitic Covenant.

d) Unfortunately, he was killed in a battle.

3. Jehoahaz succeeded him.

a) He was the young cub mentioned.

i) He learned to catch prey.

ii) He devoured men.

b) He was the opposite of his father king Josiah.

4. His notoriety caused enemy nations to notice him.

a) They saw his wicked deeds.

b) They knew that his arrogance was a sign of weakness.

c) Jehoahaz was trapped by the Egyptians.

d) He was exiled to Egypt as a prisoner.