Ariel

(lion of God ).

1. One of the "chief men" who under Ezra directed the caravan which he led back from Babylon to Jerusalem. ( Ezra 8:16 ) (B.C. 459.) The word occurs also in reference to two Moabites slain by Benaiah. ( 2 Samuel 23:20 ; 1 Chronicles 11:22 ) Many regard the word as an epithet, "lion-like;" but it seems better to look upon it as a proper name, and translate "two [sons] of Ariel."
2. A designation given by Isaiah to the city of Jerusalem. ( Isaiah 29:1 Isaiah 29:2 Isaiah 29:7 ) We must understand by it either "lion of God," as the chief city, or "hearth of God," a synonym for the altar of burnt offering. On the whole it seems most probable that, as a name given to Jerusalem, Ariel means "lion of God," whilst the word used by Ezekiel, ( Ezekiel 43:15 Ezekiel 43:16 ) means "hearth of God."