What is the meaning of "Mah Imecha Leviya"?
Rashi: Tzidkiyah, how esteemed was your mother! She is compared to a female lion.
Radak: Mah is like Nehi (lament), e.g. here and "Mah Amulah Libasech" (16:30). The assembly is called Em. Yonason translates so. Arye is king of the Chayos, and Leviya is mother of the Aryos, i.e. of the kingdom. Therefore, Malchus Beis David is compared to them.
Malbim: A lion is called Leviya when it has cubs. "Imecha" refers to when you were like a Leviya, crouching amidst Arayos and raising cubs amidst Kefirim (refer to 19:2:5:2). The Nimshal is for Yoshiyah, a Gibor king like an Arye. He crouched among other kings, and his small sons were considered among mighty kings.
Who are the "Arayos"?
Rashi: They are the officers of Yehudah.
Malbim (1-2): The Mashal to Arayos is due to Gevurah, and instilling fear on others. Shevet Yehudah and Malchus Beis David are compared to them. The Mashal is not due to tearing (making animals Tereifah), which applies to Nebuchadnetzar and others who destroy lands, but not to Yisrael.
What is the significance of "Bein Arayos Ravatzah"?
Radak: When they did Hashem's will, they crouched among kings of the nations, like a lion, without fear.
What is "Ribesah"?
Radak: She raised. This is like "Tipachti v'Ribisi" (Eichah 2:22).
Why does it mention Arayos, Kefir and Gur?
Radak: Kefir is younger than Ari, and older than Gur. Arayos are a Mashal for kings, and Kefirim for governors. Also Yonason translates so.
Malbim: Gur is a nursing cub; it does not tear. When it grows, it is called Kefir. It is young, and tears in its abode, but does not go far to tear. An old lion (Arye) distances to tear wherever it will find.
