Book of Zephaniah - Chapter 3 - Verse 3

The verse 'Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.' from the book of Zephaniah paints a vivid picture of the corrupt and oppressive leadership present during the time of the prophet Zephaniah. The comparison of princes to roaring lions and judges to evening wolves emphasizes their predatory and ruthless nature. The imagery suggests that those in positions of power within the city are using their authority to exploit and terrorize the people under their rule. The mention of not gnawing the bones until the morrow implies a level of greed and excess, as they are not content with only what they need but continue to consume even after they have had their fill. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning against the dangers of corrupt leadership and the harm it can bring to a society.

In this verse from the book of Zephaniah, the imagery of roaring lions and evening wolves is used to paint a vivid picture of the corrupt leaders and judges within the city. Lions and wolves are often seen as symbols of power, strength, and predatory behavior. The princes are compared to roaring lions, highlighting their greed, aggression, and oppression of the people. The judges, on the other hand, are likened to evening wolves, implying that they are cunning and greedy, preying on the weak and vulnerable under the cover of darkness. The mention that they do not gnaw on the bones until the morrow may suggest that they are patient in their corruption, waiting until the time is right to fully exploit their victims. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of unrighteous leadership and the consequences of allowing corrupt individuals to hold positions of authority. It reminds readers to be vigilant and to speak out against injustice and oppression, no matter how powerful the oppressors may seem.