Ezekiel 19:1-9 - Homiletics.

The parable of the lion's whelps.

I. THE LION - LIKE CHARACTER OF ISRAEL . This character was especially given to the tribe of Judah, from which the royal family came ( Genesis 49:9 ). There should be something of the better nature of the lion in the people of God.

1 . Strength . With one blow of his paw the lion can break the neck of a bull. The nation of Israel was strong. The Church of God is strong with the might of God. God does not only save his children as weak creatures needing his shelter; he inspires them with strength.

2 . Freedom . The lion is not a domestic animal, trained to wear the yoke like the patient ox. When he is caught and caged his proud spirit is broken. In a state of nature he roams at large over the desert. God gives liberty to his people. They are not his slaves; they are his free men.

3 . Rule . The lion is regarded as the king of the fort, st. Israel in her greatness ruled over her neighbours politically; but spiritually she has since extended that rule over the civilized world. There is power and a ruling influence over minds in the Church of Christ.

4 . Majesty . The lion looks more brave than he is. His lordly mane and noble bearing, and the thunder of his roar that echoes through the woods at night, impress men with a sense of awe. God has called his people to a position of greatness and honour.

II. THE FATE OF THE TWO WHELPS .

1 . The disastrous fate of the first whelp . Jehoahaz behaves ill, and is carried in chains to Egypt ( 2 Kings 23:32-34 ).

2 . The similar fate of the second whelp . Jehoahaz is followed by Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, not only on the throne, but in evil conduct and in consequent punishment.