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Ezekiel 23

Ezekiel 23:4

The Two Adulterous Sisters · Ezekiel 23:1–21
Read Ezekiel 23

Translations

Modern
The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
Traditional
And the names of them were Aholah the elder, and Aholibah her sister: and they were mine, and they bare sons and daughters. Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah.
Literal
And their names were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister. And they were unto Me, and they gave birth to sons and daughters. And their names—Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah.
Latin
Nomina autem earum, Oolla major, et Ooliba soror ejus minor: et habui eas, et pepererunt filios et filias. Porro earum nomina, Samaria Oolla, et Jerusalem Ooliba.

Original

Hebrew
English
The older was named Oholah, and her sister was named Oholibah. They became Mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their identities, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.

Notes

Ezekiel 23:4

Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (for example, Isaiah 54:1–8; Ephesians 5:22–33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (for example, Hosea 1–3). God makes his covenants even though his people are sinful. He does not choose them because of their good character (Romans 5:6–11).

Ezekiel 23:1–49

This chapter, like chapter 16, tells the history of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It does this through an extended metaphor (a comparison that continues through many verses).

In this comparison, Samaria and Jerusalem, the capital cities, are described as two immoral women. The language is strong and direct.

This metaphor shows that their judgment was certain and deserved.

Events

People

Oholah: Symbolic name for Samaria Oholibah: Symbolic name for Jerusalem

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Samaria: Capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel; Samaritan inhabitants

Glossary

Aholah Aholibah Ezekiel, Book of Oholah and Oholibah

Topics

Aholah: Name of an Imaginary Woman, Typical of Idolatry Aholibah: An Imaginary Character, Typical of Idolatry Idolatry: Wicked Practices of Licentiousness of