1. What a lioness was your mother among the lions (1-4)

In the book of Numbers, Israel was likened to a strong and promising lioness. But because of her sin and idolatry, the Lord poured out his wrath. King Josiah was a good king who walked with God, in the footsteps of his father David. But his sons were evil. His first son, Jehoahaz, was deposed by Pharaoh Neco and taken to Egypt, where he died.

2. No branch fit for a ruler's scepter (5-14)

King Jehoiakim was reigning when the Babylonians invaded. He was as evil as his brother. He tried to solve the problem of his nation by politics and he failed. His son, Jehoiachin, surrendered and was taken captive to Babylon, where he died. His roar was also heard no more (9). Israel had many great kings and promising leaders in her history, but because of their sins the rich and fruitful country had become a dry and thirsty desert land where no one was fit to be a ruler. Every country needs wise, brave, faithful and moral leaders to thrive.