What do the names Oholah and Oholibah symbolize in Ezekiel 23:4? Setting the Context • Ezekiel 23 is a prophetic parable in which God exposes the spiritual adultery of His people. • Two sisters—Oholah and Oholibah—are introduced to picture the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Who Are Oholah and Oholibah? • Verse 4 names them: ‑ “The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah.” (Ezekiel 23:4a) • The verse also identifies them: ‑ “Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.” (Ezekiel 23:4b) • Samaria represents the northern kingdom (ten tribes), Jerusalem the southern (Judah and Benjamin). Meaning of the Names • Oholah means “Her own tent.” ‑ Implies she set up her own worship structure, independent of God’s prescribed place. • Oholibah means “My tent is in her.” ‑ Points to Jerusalem where God’s temple—His “tent” or dwelling—was placed (1 Kings 8:10-13). Symbolic Significance • Oholah (Samaria) ‑ Built rival shrines after the kingdom split (1 Kings 12:26-33). ‑ Pursued alliances and idolatry with Assyria (2 Kings 17:7-17). ‑ Her name underlines self-made religion: “her own tent.” • Oholibah (Jerusalem) ‑ Though blessed with the true temple, she copied her sister’s sins (Jeremiah 3:8-10). ‑ Sought security through Egypt and Babylon rather than the Lord (Isaiah 31:1; 2 Kings 24:17-20). ‑ Her name stresses accountable privilege: God’s “tent” was there, yet she defiled it (Ezekiel 8:6). Key Contrasts • Location of Worship ‑ Oholah invented places; Oholibah possessed the ordained place. • Responsibility ‑ Oholibah’s guilt is greater because she sinned against greater light (Luke 12:48 principle). • Judgment Fulfilled ‑ Samaria fell to Assyria (722 BC); Jerusalem to Babylon (586 BC), precisely as foretold. Lessons for Today • Religious heritage does not immunize against apostasy; it increases accountability. • Setting up “our own tents”—self-styled worship—leads to spiritual ruin. • Privilege (having God’s presence and Word) must be matched by faithfulness (James 1:22-25). |
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