From: November 11, 2024
“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.
From: November 11, 2023
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23 NLT).
Christian hope is confident hope. For Christian hope is based on the promises of God. Since this hope is anchored to God’s promises we can be assured that our hope will not be disappointed. So rather than hanging on to the temporal things we can see, let us hold tightly to the eternal things of God that are at this time unseen. Yet one day soon, they will surely be seen.
So hold on tightly to hope. And if your grip weakens, ask the Spirit of the Lord to strengthen your hands. For the Spirit helps us in our weakness (Rom. 8:26).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we hold tightly to the hope we have in Your Son, Jesus Christ. For our hope is anchored to Your Promised One. We believe He died for our sins, was buried, raised from the dead, ascended and is coming again. Our hope is anchored in Him and in His promised return. Strengthen our grip on this hope, so that we might serve You with an unwavering hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 11, 2022
DON’T THROW AWAY YOUR SHIELD OF FAITH
After a season of suffering we are tempted to timidity and cowardice. We fear persecution and pain, so we hide from the fight. We lose a battle, so we retreat from the war. Yet, the Word teaches us not to “throw away” our “confident trust,” which is the boldness of faith.
The phrase “throw away” comes from a Greek verb originally describing cowardly soldiers, who “throw away” their shields, and run away from the battle. It is said that Spartan women would hand shields to their men departing for battle saying, “Either bring this back, or be brought back upon it.” Thus urging their husbands and sons to be bold in battle and in protecting their family and tribe. The captains of armies often urged their soldiers to beat their swords against their shields and shout in preparation for an assault. Thus building up their own confidence, while striking fear in the enemy.
Faithful soldiers do not throw away their shields. Nor do faithful believers cast aside their confident trust. Faithful believers persevere, remembering the great reward that the Captain of our faith brings with Him at His coming.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we believe, help us with our unbelief. Wherever we have shrunk back from the upward calling You have on our lives, help us to again put on the shield of faith to advance. We put our confident trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 11, 2016
Since Jesus has become our Great High Priest and has accomplished all that is necessary for those who trust in Him to approach the Father, “let us draw near.” Christ has removed the barrier of separation between us and God. Why stand off afar? Draw near. And let your approach be with “full assurance,” not doubting. Knowing that your hearts have been cleansed by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus and your bodies are being washed, sanctified by the work of the Spirit, come near to God with full confidence. Jesus has done this for you, so… draw near.
From: November 11, 2015
The Ezekiel passage today about the two adulterous sisters graphically illustrates how God (as the covenantal husband to Israel) felt about the idolatry of Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). After the death of King Solomon, Israel became a divided kingdom. The Northern kingdom called Israel moved its capital to Samaria. They were later conquered by the Assyrians. The Southern kingdom called Judah continued some years after the fall of Israel. The Babylonians conquered Judah whose capital city was Jerusalem. 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.