Ezekiel 23:44

And they slept with her as with a prostitute; they slept with Oholah and Oholibah, those lewd women.

Study Bible

And they slept with her as with a prostitute;
This phrase uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. In biblical times, prostitution was often used as a symbol for idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The act of "sleeping with" someone in this context signifies engaging in idolatrous practices and forming alliances with pagan nations, which was considered spiritual adultery. This imagery is consistent with other prophetic writings, such as Hosea, where Israel is depicted as an unfaithful wife. The use of prostitution as a metaphor underscores the gravity of Israel's betrayal of their covenant relationship with God.

they slept with Oholah and Oholibah,
Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names given to Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Oholah means "her own tent," referring to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which set up its own places of worship apart from Jerusalem. Oholibah means "my tent is in her," referring to Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, where the temple of God was located. The use of these names highlights the separate identities and spiritual failings of the two kingdoms. Historically, both kingdoms engaged in political and religious alliances with surrounding nations, leading to their downfall. This phrase emphasizes their shared guilt in abandoning their exclusive devotion to God.

those lewd women.
The term "lewd" indicates moral corruption and shamelessness. In the context of Ezekiel, it refers to the extreme idolatry and moral decay of both Samaria and Jerusalem. The prophets often used strong language to convey the seriousness of Israel's sin and the resulting judgment. This description serves as a warning to the people of God about the consequences of turning away from Him. The imagery of lewdness also connects to the broader biblical theme of purity and holiness, which God desires for His people. The prophetic message calls for repentance and a return to faithfulness, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect faithfulness and purity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.

2. Oholah and Oholibah
Symbolic names representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. These names are used to depict the spiritual unfaithfulness of the two cities.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often criticized by prophets for idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.

4. Jerusalem
The capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, also condemned for similar spiritual adultery and idolatry.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Adultery
Just as Oholah and Oholibah were unfaithful, believers today must guard against idolatry and spiritual compromise. Our relationship with God should be exclusive and pure.

Consequences of Sin
The passage highlights the severe consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to His commands.

God's Call to Repentance
Despite the harsh imagery, God's desire is for His people to return to Him. Repentance and restoration are always possible through His grace.

The Danger of Worldly Alliances
The alliances with pagan nations led to Israel and Judah's downfall. Believers are cautioned against forming partnerships that compromise their faith.

The Role of Prophets
Ezekiel's bold message reminds us of the importance of speaking truth, even when it is uncomfortable. We are called to be voices of truth in our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of Oholah and Oholibah challenge our understanding of faithfulness in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of spiritual adultery, and how can we guard against it?

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

4. What parallels can you draw between the message of Ezekiel 23 and the teachings of Jesus regarding purity and faithfulness?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 23 to our interactions and relationships with the secular world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 3
This chapter also uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe Israel and Judah's idolatry, emphasizing God's call for repentance.

Hosea 1-3
Hosea's marriage to Gomer is a living parable of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's enduring love, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel 23.

Revelation 17
The imagery of the harlot in Revelation draws on Old Testament themes of spiritual adultery, similar to Ezekiel's depiction of Oholah and Oholibah.