Ezekiel Chapter 23 — The Parable of Two Sisters
God uses the allegory of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to describe the spiritual infidelity and eventual judgment of Samaria and Jerusalem.
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Notable Verses
Ezekiel 23:4
“Their names were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister. They became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem Oholibah.”
This verse establishes the allegorical identity of the two sisters as the capitals of the divided kingdoms.
Ezekiel 23:35
“Therefore the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have forgotten me and cast me behind your back, therefore you also bear your lewdness and your prostitution.’”
This summarizes the core reason for the divine judgment described in the chapter.
Chapter Summary
In Ezekiel 23, the prophet presents a stark allegory involving two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who represent Samaria (the Northern Kingdom) and Jerusalem (the Southern Kingdom). The narrative traces their history back to Egypt, detailing how they sought alliances and practiced idolatry with the Assyrians and Babylonians. Oholah is judged first for her actions, but Oholibah fails to learn from her sister's fate, becoming even more corrupt in her pursuits. The text describes their attraction to foreign powers and their adoption of pagan rituals, including child sacrifice and the profanation of the sanctuary. Consequently, God declares a coming judgment where the very nations they sought as allies will turn against them. The chapter concludes with a warning that this judgment serves as a lesson to others, emphasizing the consequences of abandoning their covenant and turning to idols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oholah represents Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, and Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. The names themselves are symbolic, relating to the presence of a 'tent' or tabernacle.
The chapter uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe the political and spiritual alliances the Israelites made with foreign nations like Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon instead of trusting in God.
God declares that the very nations they sought for alliances—the Babylonians and Assyrians—will be the instruments of their destruction, leading to their exile and the loss of their children and property.
Study Note
The names Oholah ('her tent') and Oholibah ('my tent is in her') likely contrast the self-established worship in Samaria with the divinely appointed sanctuary in Jerusalem.
Related Chapters
Ezekiel 16
Both chapters use the metaphor of an unfaithful woman to describe Jerusalem's history of idolatry.
Hosea 1
The prophet Hosea also uses the theme of a broken marriage to illustrate Israel's spiritual state.
Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah similarly compares the kingdoms of Israel and Judah to two unfaithful sisters.
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