Ezekiel 23:4

The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.

Study Bible

The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah.
Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names given to represent the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. In Hebrew, "Oholah" means "her tent," suggesting a place of worship or dwelling that is separate from God, while "Oholibah" means "my tent is in her," indicating God's presence or dwelling. This distinction highlights the spiritual infidelity of both cities, with Samaria representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Jerusalem the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The use of sister imagery underscores their shared heritage and covenant relationship with God, yet also their shared guilt in idolatry and unfaithfulness.

They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters.
This phrase reflects the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. "They became Mine" signifies God's choosing of Israel as His people, akin to a marriage covenant. The "sons and daughters" symbolize the generations of Israelites who were born into this covenant relationship. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God is depicted as a husband to Israel (e.g., Hosea 2:19-20). The birth of sons and daughters also implies the continuation of the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
This clarifies the allegorical representation of the two cities. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was known for its idolatry and alliances with foreign nations, which led to its downfall in 722 BC by the Assyrians. Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom, despite having the temple and being the center of worship, also fell into idolatry and was eventually conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The distinction between the two cities serves as a warning of the consequences of unfaithfulness to God. The prophetic message here is a call to repentance and a reminder of the judgment that comes from turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Oholah
Represents Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The name "Oholah" means "her tent," symbolizing a place of worship or dwelling that is separate from God’s designated place.

2. Oholibah
Represents Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The name "Oholibah" means "my tent is in her," indicating God's presence and chosen dwelling place among His people.

3. Samaria
The capital city of the Northern Kingdom, often associated with idolatry and turning away from God.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of the Southern Kingdom, known for its temple and being the center of Jewish worship, yet also guilty of spiritual unfaithfulness.

5. Sons and Daughters
Symbolic of the people and offspring of these two cities, representing the inhabitants and their spiritual legacy.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Oholah and Oholibah were unfaithful, believers must guard against idolatry and spiritual infidelity in their own lives.

God's Ownership
The phrase "They were Mine" emphasizes God's claim over His people. Believers are reminded of their identity and belonging to God.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The history of Samaria and Jerusalem serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

God's Presence
Oholibah's name signifies God's presence. Believers should cherish and maintain their relationship with God, recognizing His dwelling within them.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the unfaithfulness depicted, God's desire for repentance and restoration is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of Oholah and Oholibah challenge us to examine our own spiritual faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our "tent" or place of worship remains aligned with God's presence and purpose?

3. How do the consequences faced by Samaria and Jerusalem serve as a warning for contemporary believers?

4. What steps can we take to prevent spiritual adultery in our personal and communal lives?

5. How can the themes of repentance and restoration in Ezekiel 23 encourage us in our walk with God today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hosea 1-2
The prophet Hosea's marriage to Gomer symbolizes Israel's unfaithfulness, similar to the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah.

Jeremiah 3
Discusses the spiritual adultery of Israel and Judah, paralleling the themes of unfaithfulness found in Ezekiel 23.

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