The Allegory of Two Sisters is a vivid and symbolic narrative found in the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 23. This allegory is a prophetic message delivered by the prophet Ezekiel, depicting the spiritual infidelity and idolatry of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The allegory uses the metaphor of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to represent Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively.

Biblical Context

Ezekiel 23 is set during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound crisis and reflection for the people of Israel. The prophet Ezekiel, among the exiles in Babylon, receives visions and messages from God concerning the sins and impending judgment of Israel and Judah. The allegory serves as a divine indictment against the spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness of God's chosen people.

The Allegory Explained

In Ezekiel 23:1-4, the narrative introduces the two sisters: "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. They prostituted themselves in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. 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.'"

Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) symbolize the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. The names themselves carry significant meaning: "Oholah" means "her tent," suggesting a place of worship or dwelling, while "Oholibah" means "my tent is in her," indicating God's presence in Jerusalem, where the temple was located.

Spiritual Infidelity

The allegory graphically describes the sisters' unfaithfulness through their alliances and idolatries with foreign nations. Oholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as engaging in harlotry with the Assyrians, leading to her downfall: "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" (Ezekiel 23:5-6).

Similarly, Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, is portrayed as even more corrupt, pursuing alliances with both the Assyrians and Babylonians: "But she too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendid attire, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men" (Ezekiel 23:12). Her infidelity is further compounded by her longing for the Chaldeans: "She saw men carved on the wall, images of Chaldeans, engraved in vermilion" (Ezekiel 23:14).

Divine Judgment

The allegory culminates in the pronouncement of divine judgment upon the two sisters for their spiritual adultery. God declares that the nations they pursued will become instruments of their punishment. For Oholah, this judgment is realized through the Assyrian conquest of Samaria: "Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted" (Ezekiel 23:9).

Oholibah's judgment is similarly severe, as God allows the Babylonians to execute His wrath upon Jerusalem: "Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side'" (Ezekiel 23:22).

Theological Significance

The Allegory of Two Sisters 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 futility of relying on political alliances and foreign powers instead of trusting in the Lord.

Through this allegory, Ezekiel calls the people of Israel and Judah to repentance, urging them to turn away from their idolatrous practices and return to the Lord. The allegory remains a poignant message for believers today, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of spiritual compromise.