“Oholah was the name of the elder and Oholibah the name of her sister. They became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.” (Ezekiel 23:4 ESV).
The Ezekiel passage today about the two adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, graphically illustrates how God (as the covenantal husband to Israel) felt about the idolatry of Israel. The names Oholah and Oholibah are used as symbolic names for the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, respectively. These names have significant meaning in Hebrew.
Oholah means “Her tent” or “She has her own tent.” Oholah represents Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. The name implies that she has set up her own tent, signifying a form of independent worship separate from God’s prescribed way, symbolizing Israel’s apostasy and idolatry.
Oholibah means “My tent is within he.” Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The name suggests that God’s tent or dwelling is in her, reflecting Jerusalem’s status as the city of the temple where God chose to dwell. However, it also points to Judah’s unfaithfulness despite having God’s presence, making her idolatry even greater.
After the death of King Solomon, Israel became a divided kingdom. The northern tribes retained the name Israel and moved their capital to Samaria. They were later conquered by the Assyrians. The southern kingdom took the name Judah after its largest tribe. It continued many years after the fall of Israel. The Babylonians conquered Judah whose capital city was Jerusalem.
The prophet Ezekiel was among those deported from Jerusalem to Babylon during the second deportation. He prophesied that even though Jerusalem had witnessed Samaria’s sin, it didn’t hinder her idolatry. So, God would judge her as He had Samaria. For her sin was ever greater than her sister’s.
Ezekiel 23 is shockingly graphic. For it illustrates how the Lord patiently warns His people, yet ultimately disciplines them for their spiritual infidelity.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we pray for our nation today. For You are Sovereign over all nations. You have been patient and merciful towards us. You have blessed us. Yet we are a divided and idolatrous people. Bring revival to our land that we might see the gospel go forth to all nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.