Ezekiel 19:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is your mother, O lions? This mother represents the kingdom of Judah, which dwells among the lions, signifying its position among the neighboring kingdoms.

You shall raise a lament against the leader of Israel, and you will proclaim, "Why is your mother a lioness?" This indicates that the sorrow you express will anticipate the fate of the king of Israel. The reference here to the king pertains not to Samaria, which had long ceased to exist, but to Jerusalem; during this period, the king of Judah presided over the remaining Israelites, as evidenced in the fourth book of Kings and the second book of Chronicles. The Prophet designates Jerusalem as the mother of the king, for it is from there that kings emerged. He refers to it as a lioness not only due to its royal status but also because of its fierce spirit. It thrived among the lions, signifying its competitive nature compared to neighboring royalty. "In the midst of the lions you shall increase your lion cubs" speaks to the aftermath of Josiah's reign, as shortly thereafter, four kings ascended to the throne in Jerusalem: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah.