Ezekiel 23:36

Then the LORD said to me: "Son of man, will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations.

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to me:
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Ezekiel. In the context of the prophetic books, such divine communication underscores the authority and seriousness of the message. The phrase "the LORD said" is a common introduction in prophetic literature, emphasizing that the message is not of human origin but divinely inspired. This sets the stage for a message of judgment and correction.

Son of man,
"Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It contrasts the divine nature of God with the human nature of Ezekiel, emphasizing the humility and mortality of the prophet. This title is also used in the New Testament, notably by Jesus, to emphasize His incarnation and identification with humanity.

will you pass judgment against Oholah and Oholibah?
Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names for Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Oholah means "her own tent," representing Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had set up its own places of worship apart from Jerusalem. Oholibah means "my tent is in her," representing Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, where God's temple was located. The use of these names personifies the cities as sisters, highlighting their shared heritage and their spiritual infidelity. The question posed by God is rhetorical, emphasizing the inevitability of judgment due to their actions.

Then declare to them their abominations.
The term "abominations" refers to the idolatrous practices and moral corruption that both Samaria and Jerusalem engaged in. In the biblical context, abominations often relate to practices that are detestable to God, particularly idolatry and the associated immoral behaviors. The declaration of these abominations serves as a call to repentance and a warning of impending judgment. This theme of declaring abominations is consistent with the prophetic role of calling out sin and urging a return to covenant faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who communicates His judgments and commands through His prophets.

2. Son of Man
A title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his role as a human messenger of God's divine message.

3. Oholah
A symbolic name for Samaria, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its idolatry and alliances with foreign nations.

4. Oholibah
A symbolic name for Jerusalem, representing the Southern Kingdom of Judah, also guilty of spiritual adultery and idolatry.

5. Abominations
Refers to the idolatrous practices and moral corruption that both kingdoms engaged in, which were detestable in the sight of God.

Teaching Points

Understanding Spiritual Adultery
Recognize that idolatry and unfaithfulness to God are akin to spiritual adultery. Just as Oholah and Oholibah were judged for their abominations, we must guard against allowing anything to take God's place in our hearts.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's role as "Son of Man" highlights the responsibility of God's messengers to confront sin and call for repentance. We, too, are called to speak truth in love and address sin within our communities.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment on Oholah and Oholibah serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice. We must understand that God's patience has limits, and persistent sin will lead to consequences.

Repentance and Restoration
While the passage focuses on judgment, the broader account of Scripture emphasizes God's desire for repentance and restoration. We should seek to turn from sin and return to God, who is merciful and forgiving.

Personal Reflection
Consider areas in your life where you may be unfaithful to God. Reflect on how you can realign your priorities to honor Him above all else.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah teach us about the nature of idolatry and its consequences?

2. How does Ezekiel's role as "Son of Man" inform our understanding of the responsibility to confront sin in our own lives and communities?

3. In what ways can we identify and address "abominations" or sinful practices in our own lives today?

4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Ezekiel 23 relate to the broader message of the Gospel?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead to personal growth and a deeper relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 16
This chapter also uses allegory to describe Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, similar to the depiction of Oholah and Oholibah.

Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah speaks of Israel and Judah's spiritual adultery, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 23.

Hosea 1-3
Hosea's marriage to Gomer symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness, akin to the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah.

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation can be seen as a continuation of the theme of spiritual adultery and judgment.