Topical Encyclopedia Aholah and Aholibah are symbolic names used in the book of Ezekiel to represent the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. These names are part of a prophetic allegory found in Ezekiel 23, where the prophet Ezekiel conveys God's message of judgment against the two cities for their spiritual adultery and idolatry.Etymology and Meaning The name "Aholah" means "her own tent," while "Aholibah" means "my tent is in her." These names are significant in the context of the allegory, as they reflect the spiritual condition and relationship of each city with God. Aholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as having her own tent, indicating a separation from God's presence. Aholibah, representing Jerusalem, suggests that God's presence was intended to dwell within her, as symbolized by the temple in Jerusalem. Biblical Context In Ezekiel 23, the prophet describes Aholah and Aholibah as two sisters who became harlots, engaging in idolatrous practices and forming alliances with foreign nations. The allegory serves as a vivid portrayal of the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. Ezekiel 23:4 states, "The older was named Aholah, and her sister was Aholibah. They were Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem is Aholibah." Aholah (Samaria) Aholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as the elder sister who engaged in harlotry with the Assyrians. Ezekiel 23:5-7 describes her actions: "Aholah 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 riding 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." The narrative highlights Samaria's political and religious alliances with Assyria, which led to her downfall and eventual captivity. God's judgment upon Aholah is described in Ezekiel 23:9-10 : "Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted. They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and killed her with the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and judgment was executed against her." Aholibah (Jerusalem) Aholibah, representing Jerusalem, is portrayed as the younger sister who followed in the footsteps of Aholah but with even greater infidelity. Ezekiel 23:11 states, "Her sister Aholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister." Jerusalem's alliances with Babylon and Egypt, along with her idolatrous practices, are condemned by God. Ezekiel 23:22-23 warns of the impending judgment: "Therefore, O Aholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned in disgust. I will bring them against you from every side—the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them—all desirable young men, governors and commanders, officers and men of renown, mounted on horses." The prophecy foretells the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, a consequence of her spiritual adultery and rejection of God's covenant. Theological Significance The allegory of Aholah and Aholibah serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. It underscores the seriousness with which God views His covenant relationship with His people and the expectation of exclusive devotion to Him. The narrative also highlights the dangers of forming alliances with ungodly nations and adopting their practices, which ultimately lead to judgment and destruction. Through the account of Aholah and Aholibah, the prophet Ezekiel calls the people of Israel and Judah to repentance and a return to faithfulness to God. The allegory serves as a warning to all believers about the perils of spiritual compromise and the importance of maintaining a pure and devoted relationship with the Lord. Smith's Bible Dictionary Aholah and Aholibah(my tabernacle) two symbolical names, are described as harlots, the former representing Samaria and the latter Judah. Ezek. 23. ATS Bible Dictionary Aholah and AholibahTwo symbolical names, adopted by Ezekiel, Ezekiel 23:4, to denote the two kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. They are represented as sisters, and of Egyptian extraction. Aholah stands for Samaria, and Aholibah for Jerusalem. The allegory is a history of the Jewish church. Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Third Trumpet. Resources Who are Oholah and Oholibah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |