Author: Christian Channel

Daily Bible Study
Lions roar after they have captured their prey, not before. They roar loudly while in the process of devouring the flesh of their victim. They roar in order to warn and scare off any predators who would take what they have. They do their best to prevent the pulling away of the prey out of their grasp. Likewise a bear charges when they feel danger, defending themselves because of the proximity of a threat. However, in both cases, these animals attack what is usually weak and unable to defend itself or run away from them. They will not attack anything which appears stronger, instead they will seek an opportunity to flee. Moreover, we noticed that when seeking prey the lion will get as close as possible before mounting an attack. They will work themselves into a position where it's too late for the prey to escape.

And that's the image God is giving us for the wicked ruler. A wicked ruler like a wild animal looks for the weak and poor amongst his people. They will position themselves in such a way as to prevent the escape of the innocent. The wicked ruler is looking for the weakest people and those who are innocent. They do so in order that they may devour and take what does not belong to them. They do so from those they feel pose no threat to themselves. Therefore, because of their lack of wisdom they oppress their people. Because of their wickedness and enmity against God, they destroy what is good and godly. However, we must understand, God will not prolong the days of such a ruler. Though from a worldly sense they appear to prosper, they build up wrath for themselves, not understanding the destruction which awaits them.