Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: I will be unto them as a lion - שחל shachal is supposed to mean here the black lion, frequent in Ethiopia.
As a leopard - נמר namar, so termed from its spotted skin, for to be spotted is the signification of the root.
Will I observe them - The leopard, tiger, and panther will hide themselves in thick bushwood, near where they expect any prey to pass; and as soon as it comes near, spring suddenly upon it. To this is the allusion in the text: "By the way will I observe them;" watch for them as the leopard does. They shall be greatly harassed even on their way to Assyria, when going into captivity.