* A lioness.
   Judea, which possessed strength, courage, and sovereignty.

  Na 2:11,12  Zep 3:1-4 
 * she lay.
   Had confederacy with the neighbouring kings, and learned their
   manners.

 * her whelps.
   The sons of Josiah, who learned to be oppressive tyrants from
   the surrounding princes.

 * young lions.
  Job 4:11  Ps 58:6  Isa 5:29  11:6-9  Zec 11:3