Ezekiel 19:6

KJV

And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, [and] devoured men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went up and down {H1980} among {H8432} the lions {H738}, he became a young lion {H3715}, and learned {H3925} to catch {H2963} the prey {H2964}, and devoured {H398} men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He prowled among the lions, grew to be a young lion, learned to seize his prey and became a man-eater.

Berean Standard Bible

He prowled among the lions, and became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men.

American Standard Version

And he went up and down among the lions; he became a young lion, and he learned to catch the prey; he devoured men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 19:6 is a poignant verse within a lamentation (a dirge) over the princes of Israel, using the vivid metaphor of a lioness and her cubs to depict the royal line of Judah. This particular verse focuses on one of these "young lions," representing a specific king, who, instead of ruling justly, adopted the predatory nature of the surrounding powerful nations or corrupt internal forces, learning to exploit and "devour" his own people through oppressive and violent actions, ultimately leading to their downfall and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 19 is a lamentation (Hebrew: _qinah_), a poetic form often characterized by a distinctive meter (a 3+2 or 2+2 beat, creating a mournful rhythm) and used to express grief, sorrow, or prophetic warning. This chapter, specifically titled "A Lamentation for the Princes of Israel," uses an extended metaphor of a lioness raising her cubs to symbolize the royal dynasty of Judah. Verses 1-9 form a cohesive unit, with verses 2-4 describing the first "young lion" (likely Jehoahaz) and verses 5-9 describing the second (likely Jehoiachin or Zedekiah). Our verse, Ezekiel 19:6, continues the narrative of the second lion, detailing his progression from being among other "lions" to becoming a predator himself, thus reinforcing the chapter's overall message about the corruption and eventual downfall of Judah's monarchy. The preceding verses establish the lineage and initial rise to power, while the subsequent verses describe the consequences of their predatory behavior, leading to their capture and the desolation of the land. This lament serves as a stark contrast to the divine ideal of a shepherd-king, highlighting the tragic failure of Judah's leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period in which Ezekiel prophesied (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was one of intense political instability and moral decay for the Kingdom of Judah. It was sandwiched between two powerful empires, Egypt and Babylon, both vying for regional dominance. The "lions" among whom the young king "went up and down" could represent these formidable foreign powers whose predatory imperialistic policies influenced Judah, or they could symbolize the corrupt internal factions and powerful elites within Judah itself who exploited the populace. The kings referenced, likely [Jehoahaz](/2_kings/23-31 "2 Kings 23:31 - Jehoahaz's Short Reign") (Shallum) and [Jehoiachin](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8 - Jehoiachin's Brief Reign and Exile"), both had brief, tumultuous reigns marked by unrighteousness and ended in foreign captivity. Their reigns occurred on the cusp of the Babylonian exile, a period when Judah's national identity and covenant relationship with God were severely tested. The metaphor of a lion, a powerful and fearsome beast, would have been immediately understood by the ancient audience as a symbol of royal authority, but here it is inverted to represent oppressive, rather than protective, power.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 19:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **Corrupt Leadership**, where the kings, instead of being righteous shepherds of God's flock, became predatory rulers who exploited and oppressed their own people. This is a consistent indictment across prophetic books, as seen in [Jeremiah 22:13-17](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-17 - Woes Against Unjust Kings") and [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders"). The verse also illustrates the **Progression of Sin**, showing how a leader can be influenced by a corrupt environment ("among the lions"), then adopt and embody that corruption ("became a young lion"), and finally act out its destructive consequences ("learned to catch the prey, and devoured men"). This progression highlights the insidious nature of unrighteousness and its escalating impact. Finally, the lament underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as the kings' predatory actions directly led to their downfall and the suffering of the nation, fulfilling the warnings of the covenant for disobedience, a theme prevalent throughout the Deuteronomic history and prophetic pronouncements (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went up and down (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** From H1980, a primitive root meaning "to walk" in a variety of applications, literally and figuratively. Here, it implies movement, activity, and interaction within a specific environment. In this context, it suggests the king's active engagement and integration "among the lions," indicating a process of observation, assimilation, or even participation in their ways. It's not passive presence but an active "going to and fro," learning the ways of those around him.
* **young lion (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_):** From H3715, meaning "a young lion" (perhaps as covered with a mane). This term denotes a lion that is strong, fierce, and capable of hunting, emphasizing its predatory nature and readiness for independent action. The transformation from merely being "among" lions to becoming a "young lion" signifies a change in identity and character, where the king fully embodies the predatory qualities he observed or learned.
* **devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat" (literally or figuratively); also "consume," "destroy," or "feed with." In this metaphorical context, it signifies the king's oppressive, exploitative, and destructive actions against the people. It's not merely governing but actively consuming or destroying the populace through injustice, violence, and self-enrichment, highlighting the severity of his misrule.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, meaning "a human being" (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.). This word emphasizes that the victims of the king's predatory actions were not just abstract resources or political entities, but actual human beings, underscoring the personal and devastating impact of his oppression on the populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went up and down among the lions":** This clause establishes the king's initial environment and interaction. It suggests that the king, representing a prince of Judah, was operating within a sphere of powerful, predatory entities—whether foreign empires or corrupt internal factions. His "going up and down" implies an active engagement with, and perhaps observation of, their methods and behaviors.
* **"he became a young lion":** This signifies a critical transformation. The king, having been "among" the lions, now fully adopts their nature. He is no longer just observing but has internalized and embodied the characteristics of a predator. The term "young lion" suggests strength, ferocity, and a readiness to hunt, indicating his emergence as a formidable and dangerous ruler.
* **"and learned to catch the prey":** This clause details the acquisition of predatory skills. It implies a deliberate process of learning and mastering the art of exploitation and oppression. The "prey" here refers to the vulnerable people of Judah, whom the king, like a skilled hunter, learned to capture and control for his own benefit.
* **"and devoured men":** This is the culmination of the king's predatory progression. The act of "devouring men" is a stark, visceral metaphor for his tyrannical rule, characterized by extreme oppression, injustice, violence, and exploitation that effectively consumed the lives and livelihoods of his subjects. It highlights the devastating human cost of his unrighteous leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 19:6 is rich in literary devices, primarily employing **Metaphor**. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor where the king of Judah is likened to a "young lion" who learns predatory behaviors. This comparison powerfully conveys the king's transformation from a potential protector to an oppressor. The phrase "devoured men" is a vivid **Hyperbole** and a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing not literal consumption but extreme exploitation, violence, and destruction of the people. The **Imagery** of a lion hunting and devouring its prey creates a visceral and horrifying picture of the king's tyrannical rule, making the abstract concept of oppression concrete and emotionally impactful. The progression from "went up and down among the lions" to "became a young lion" and finally "devoured men" demonstrates a clear **Climax** or escalation, illustrating the deepening corruption and destructive consequences of the king's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 19:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership, particularly within God's covenant people. It underscores the divine expectation for rulers to be righteous shepherds, not predatory beasts. The kings' failure to uphold justice and their active oppression of the people represent a profound betrayal of their sacred trust and a direct violation of God's covenant commands, which consistently call for justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable. This lament articulates God's righteous judgment against such unrighteousness, demonstrating that divine authority will hold even the most powerful human leaders accountable for their actions. The tragic outcome for these "young lions" highlights the severe consequences of rejecting God's ways and embracing the destructive patterns of the world.

* [Jeremiah 22:13-17](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13-17 - Woe to Unjust Kings") - Condemns King Jehoiakim for building his palace with forced labor and shedding innocent blood, directly paralleling the "devouring men" imagery.
* [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1 "Micah 3:1-3 - Indictment of Corrupt Leaders") - Denounces the leaders of Israel for hating good and loving evil, skinning and eating the flesh of the people, a clear parallel to the predatory lion metaphor.
* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Roaring Lion and a Ranging Bear") - States, "Like a roaring lion or a ranging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people," reinforcing the biblical imagery of oppressive leaders as predatory animals.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 19:6 offers timeless lessons for all who hold positions of authority, as well as for those under their influence. It serves as a stark warning against the corrupting nature of power when divorced from righteousness and accountability. True leadership, whether in government, business, community, or the church, is meant to be characterized by service, protection, and justice, not by exploitation or self-enrichment. This verse challenges us to critically examine the character of those we empower and to hold leaders accountable to a standard of integrity and compassion. For individuals, it prompts reflection on the subtle ways we might be influenced by corrupt environments or adopt predatory behaviors in our own spheres, whether through gossip, manipulation, or seeking personal gain at others' expense. It underscores the importance of cultivating a heart of service and seeking justice, resisting the temptation to "devour" others for personal advancement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might leaders today, whether political, corporate, or spiritual, exhibit "lion-like" predatory behavior instead of shepherding care?**
* **How can individuals and communities resist the influence of corrupt environments that might encourage exploitative practices?**
* **What does it mean for me, in my own sphere of influence, to avoid "devouring men" and instead to build up and serve others?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of power and authority in both secular and sacred contexts?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Ezekiel 19:6?**

Answer: The primary message of Ezekiel 19:6 is a condemnation of the unrighteous and oppressive rule of Judah's kings. Using the metaphor of a "young lion" who learns to "devour men," the verse highlights how these leaders, instead of protecting their people, became exploiters and tyrants, leading to their own downfall and the suffering of the nation. It underscores the severe consequences of corrupt leadership and God's judgment against it, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah 22](/jeremiah/22 "Jeremiah 22 - Prophecies Against Judah's Kings").

**Who is the "he" in Ezekiel 19:6 referring to?**

Answer: The "he" in Ezekiel 19:6 refers to one of the "young lions" mentioned in Ezekiel 19, which represent the kings of Judah. While some scholars suggest it could be Jehoahaz (Shallum), who was taken captive to Egypt, the context of verses 5-9 more strongly points to Jehoiachin or Zedekiah, who reigned after Jehoahaz and whose reigns led directly to the Babylonian exile. Both were kings who quickly ascended to power in a tumultuous era and demonstrated predatory behavior towards their people, failing to uphold justice. The lament in [Ezekiel 19](/ezekiel/19 "Ezekiel 19 - A Lament for the Princes of Israel") speaks generally of the royal line's failure.

**How does the imagery of a "lion" apply to a king?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the lion was often a symbol of royal power, strength, and majesty. Kings were sometimes depicted as lions, signifying their authority and ability to protect their realm. However, in Ezekiel 19:6, this imagery is inverted. Instead of using their strength to protect, the kings used it to oppress and exploit their own people, becoming predatory "lions" who "devoured men." This subversion of the traditional symbol highlights the kings' profound failure to live up to their divine mandate and their transformation into destructive forces. This is a common prophetic critique, as seen in [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - Wicked Ruler as a Roaring Lion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 19:6, with its lament over the predatory kings of Judah, powerfully foreshadows the need for a truly righteous and compassionate King, one who would not "devour men" but rather lay down His life for them. The failure of Judah's monarchy, depicted as ravenous lions, underscores the profound human inability to rule justly apart from God. This lament finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Unlike the self-serving kings who exploited their flock, Jesus identifies Himself as the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), who "lays down His life for the sheep." He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "devouring of men" by the corrupt kings stands in stark contrast to Christ's redemptive work, where He Himself was "devoured" by the cross, suffering for the sins of humanity so that we might be set free from the dominion of sin and death. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), yet also the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), whose power is exercised in perfect righteousness and sacrificial love, ultimately establishing a kingdom where justice and peace reign eternally ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 24:1

¶ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.

2 Kings 24:7

And the king of Egypt came not again any more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken from the river of Egypt unto the river Euphrates all that pertained to the king of Egypt.

Jeremiah 26:1

¶ In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah came this word from the LORD, saying,

Jeremiah 26:24

Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

2 Chronicles 36:5

Jehoiakim [was] twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God.

Jeremiah 22:13

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

Jeremiah 22:17

But thine eyes and thine heart [are] not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do [it].