The Lord says that the people of Judah (his heritage
) have become to him like a lion in the forest. The Lord has remained the same; the nation has changed: She has lifted up her voice against me,
says the Lord. The image of a lion in the forest describes a threatening act of defiance; the lion is ready to attack.1 The people have become hostile and rebellious towards the Lord.
8 My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest; she has lifted up her voice against me; therefore I hate her.