Oholah is a symbolic name used in the book of Ezekiel to represent the northern kingdom of Israel, also known as Samaria. The name appears in Ezekiel 23, where the prophet Ezekiel uses the allegory of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to depict the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of Israel and Judah. The name "Oholah" means "her tent" or "she has a tent," which may imply a reference to the unauthorized places of worship that were established in the northern kingdom, in contrast to the divinely sanctioned temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Context

In Ezekiel 23, the prophet presents a vivid and graphic allegory to convey the spiritual adultery of the two kingdoms. Oholah, representing Samaria, is described as the elder sister, while Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. The narrative illustrates how both sisters engaged in idolatry and formed alliances with foreign nations, forsaking their covenant relationship with God.

Ezekiel 23:4 states: "The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem."

Symbolism and Allegory

The allegory of Oholah and Oholibah serves as a powerful indictment of the spiritual infidelity of Israel and Judah. Oholah's actions are described in terms of harlotry, symbolizing the nation's pursuit of foreign gods and political alliances. This unfaithfulness is portrayed as a violation of the exclusive covenant relationship that God had established with His people.

Ezekiel 23:5-7 elaborates on Oholah's unfaithfulness: "Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. She offered herself to them, to all the elite of the Assyrians, and defiled herself with all the idols of everyone she lusted after."

Historical Background

The northern kingdom of Israel, represented by Oholah, was established after the division of the united monarchy following the reign of Solomon. Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of idolatry set a precedent for the spiritual decline of Israel, leading to its eventual conquest by the Assyrians in 722 BC.

Theological Implications

The account of Oholah serves as a warning against spiritual unfaithfulness and the consequences of idolatry. It underscores the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted relationship with God, free from the corrupting influences of foreign alliances and false worship. The narrative also highlights God's patience and justice, as He repeatedly called His people to repentance through the prophets before allowing judgment to fall upon them.

Ezekiel's portrayal of Oholah and Oholibah is a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and spiritual adultery. It calls believers to examine their own lives for any form of unfaithfulness and to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Lord.Oho'lah (4 Occurrences)

Ezekiel 23:4
And the names of them were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister; and they became Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. And as for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem Oholibah.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:5
And Oholah played the harlot when she was Mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians, warriors,
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:36
The LORD said moreover unto me: 'Son of man, wilt thou judge Oholah and Oholibah? then declare unto them their abominations.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:44
For every one went in unto her, as men go in unto a harlot; so went they in unto Oholah and unto Oholibah, the lewd women.
(See RSV)

Oho'lah (4 Occurrences)
Oho'lah. Oholah, Oho'lah. Oholiab . Multi-Version Concordance Oho'lah
(4 Occurrences). Ezekiel 23:4 And the names of them were Oholah ...
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Oholiab (5 Occurrences)

/o/oholiab.htm - 8k

Oholah (4 Occurrences)

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