The parables of Aholah and Aholibah are found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 23. These parables are allegorical narratives used by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God's message of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). The names Aholah and Aholibah are symbolic, representing Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively.

Context and Background

Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, was tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites, who had turned away from Him. The parables of Aholah and Aholibah are part of a series of prophecies that highlight the spiritual adultery and idolatry of God's people. These parables serve as a vivid illustration of the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah, likening them to two sisters who engage in harlotry.

The Parable Explained

In Ezekiel 23, God describes Aholah and Aholibah as two sisters who became prostitutes in Egypt. Aholah, representing Samaria, is the elder sister, while Aholibah, representing Jerusalem, is the younger. The narrative details their infidelity and alliances with foreign nations, which are depicted as acts of spiritual adultery.

· Aholah (Samaria): "Aholah played the harlot while she was Mine; she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians" (Ezekiel 23:5). Aholah's infidelity is characterized by her alliances with Assyria, leading to her eventual downfall and captivity.

· Aholibah (Jerusalem): "Her sister Aholibah saw this, yet she was more depraved in her lust than Aholah, and she also prostituted herself with the Assyrians" (Ezekiel 23:11). Aholibah's actions are portrayed as even more egregious, as she not only follows in her sister's footsteps but also exceeds her in idolatry and alliances with Babylon.

Symbolism and Themes

The parables of Aholah and Aholibah are rich in symbolism, illustrating the themes of unfaithfulness, idolatry, and divine judgment. The sisters' harlotry represents Israel and Judah's abandonment of their covenant relationship with God in favor of political and religious alliances with pagan nations. This spiritual adultery is met with severe consequences, as God declares His judgment upon them.

· Divine Judgment: The parables emphasize that God's judgment is inevitable for those who forsake Him. "Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will stir up your lovers against you, those from whom you turned in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side'" (Ezekiel 23:22). The judgment serves as a warning to the people of God about the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

· Call to Repentance: While the parables primarily focus on judgment, they also implicitly call for repentance. By highlighting the severity of Israel and Judah's sins, God invites His people to return to Him and forsake their idolatrous ways.

Relevance and Application

The parables of Aholah and Aholibah serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. They underscore the dangers of spiritual compromise and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. For believers, these parables encourage a steadfast commitment to God and a rejection of worldly influences that lead to spiritual adultery.Ezekiel 23:1
The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

The Third Trumpet.
... whose splendour the sun, in other places, represents in prophetic parables. ... names
(ie the names of Samaria and Jerusalem) are Aholah and Aholibah." Add Isa ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the third trumpet.htm

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