Ariel

אֲרִיאֵל/AIR-ee-el/

“Lion of God, or hearth of God”

Summary

A word meaning 'lion of God,' used as both a personal name for one of Ezra's chief men and as a symbolic designation for Jerusalem.

☩Ariel, Chief Man of Ezra

Ariel was one of the 'chief men' sent by Ezra to Casiphia to procure Levites for the services of the sanctuary during the return from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Key verses:Ezra 8:16

☩Ariel as Symbolic Name for Jerusalem

Isaiah uses Ariel as a symbolic name for Jerusalem, meaning 'lion of God'—designating the city as victorious under God. The name may also relate to the altar of burnt offerings, with some etymologies suggesting 'hearth of God.' In this sense, it identifies Jerusalem as containing God's altar and being the place where He receives sacrifice.

Key verses:Isaiah 29:1-2Isaiah 29:7

☩Lion-like Men

The word is also used in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles to describe Moabite warriors whom Benaiah slew, translated as 'lion-like men' or interpreted by some as 'sons of Ariel.'

Key verses:2 Samuel 23:201 Chronicles 11:22

Related Verses4 mentions

Isaiah· 3 verses

29:1 29:2 29:7

Ezra· 1 verse

8:16

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ariel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Ariel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
3.George Morrish, "Ariel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Ariel," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).