Ariel in Smiths Bible Dictionary

(lion of God). 1. One of the "chief men" who under Ezra directed the caravan which he led back from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezr 8:16 (B.C. 459.) The word occurs also in reference to two Moabites slain by Benaiah. 2Sa 23:20; 1Ch 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. Isa 29:1,2,7 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, Eze 43:15,16 means "hearth of God."