1 The word of the Lord came to me:
2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother.
3 they played the whore in Egypt; they played the whore in their youth; there their breasts were pressed, and their virgin bosoms handled.
4 Oholah was the name of the elder and Oholibah the name of her sister. They became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.
5 Oholah played the whore while she was mine, and she lusted after her lovers the Assyrians, warriors
6 clothed in purple, governors and commanders, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses.
7 And she bestowed her whoredoms upon them, the choicest men of Assyria all of them, and on whomsoever she doted, with all their idols she defiled herself.
8 She did not give up her whoring that she had begun in Egypt; for in her youth men had lain with her and handled her virgin bosom and poured out their whoring lust upon her.
9 Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, into the hands of the Assyrians, after whom she lusted.
10 They uncovered her nakedness; they seized her sons and her daughters; and her they killed with the sword. And she became a byword among women, when judgment had been executed on her.
11 “Her sister Oholibah saw this, and she became more corrupt than her sister in her lust and in her whorings, which were worse than those of her sister.
12 She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and commanders, warriors clothed in full armor, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men.
13 Then I saw that she was defiled; both took the same way.
14 But she carried her whoring further. She saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion,
15 Thus she carried her whoring to the land of Egypt and played the whore in her youth.
16 When she saw them, she lusted after them and sent messengers to them in Chaldea.
17 And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoring lust. And after she was defiled by them, she turned from them in disgust.
18 When she carried on her whoring so openly and flaunted her nakedness, I turned in disgust from her, as I had turned in disgust from her sister.
19 Yet she increased her whoring, remembering the days of her youth, when she played the whore in the land of Egypt.
20 and lusted after her paramours there, whose members were like those of donkeys, and whose issue was like that of horses.
21 Thus you longed for the lewdness of your youth, when the Egyptians handled your bosom and pressed your young breasts.”
22 Therefore, O Oholibah, thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will stir up against you your lovers from whom you turned in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side,
23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them, desirable young men, governors and commanders all of them, officers and men of renown, all of them riding on horses.
24 And they shall come against you from the north with chariots and wagons and a host of peoples. They shall set themselves against you on every side with buckler, shield, and helmet, and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments.
25 And I will direct my jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in fury. They shall cut off your nose and your ears, and your survivors shall fall by the sword. They shall seize your sons and your daughters, and your survivors shall be devoured by fire.
26 They shall also strip you of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels.
27 Thus I will put an end to your lewdness and your whoring begun in the land of Egypt, so that you shall not lift up your eyes to them or remember Egypt anymore.
28 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will give you into the hands of those whom you hate, into the hands of those from whom you turned in disgust,”
29 And they shall deal with you in hatred and take away all the fruit of your labor and leave you naked and bare, and the nakedness of your whoring shall be uncovered. Your lewdness and your whoring
30 I will do these things to you because you have played the whore with the nations, and because you have defiled yourself with their idols.
31 You have gone the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand.
32 Thus says the Lord God: “You shall drink your sister’s cup that is deep and large; you shall be laughed at and held in derision, for it contains much.”
33 You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow. A cup of horror and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria.
34 You shall drink it and drain it out, and gnaw its shards, and tear your breasts; for I have spoken, declares the Lord God.
35 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have forgotten me and cast me behind your back, you yourself must bear the consequences of your lewdness and whoring.
36 The Lord said to me: “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Declare to them their abominations.
37 For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. With their idols they have committed adultery, and they have even offered up to them for food the children whom they had borne to me.
38 Moreover, this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary on the same day and profaned my Sabbaths.
39 For when they had slaughtered their children in sacrifice to their idols, on the same day they came into my sanctuary to profane it. And behold, this is what they did in my house.
40 They even sent for men to come from far away, to whom a messenger was sent; and behold, they came. For them you bathed yourself, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments.
41 You sat on a stately couch, with a table spread before it on which you had placed my incense and my oil.
42 The sound of a carefree multitude was with her; and with men of the common sort, drunkards were brought from the wilderness; and they put bracelets on the hands of the women, and beautiful crowns on their heads.
43 Then I said of her who was worn out by adultery, ‘Now they will continue to use her for a whore, even her!
44 Yet they went in to her, as men go in to a prostitute. So they went in to Oholah and to Oholibah, lewd women.
45 But righteous men shall pass judgment on them with the sentence of adulteresses, and with the sentence of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands.”
46 For thus says the Lord God: “Bring up a vast host against them, and make them an object of terror and a plunder.
47 The host shall stone them and cut them down with their swords. They shall kill their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses.
48 Thus will I put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not commit lewdness as you have done.
49 And they shall return your lewdness upon you, and you shall bear the penalty for your sinful idolatry, and you shall know that I am the Lord God.”
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 23
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He lived in exile with the Israelites after the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many of the people captive. Ezekiel uses a vivid metaphor in this chapter to describe the spiritual adultery of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He portrays them as two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who have turned away from God and pursued other gods and foreign alliances. This chapter foreshadows the coming judgment and destruction that will befall these two kingdoms due to their unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel’s powerful imagery and warnings echo the messages of other prophets, such as Jeremiah, who also warned the people of Judah about the consequences of their idolatry and disobedience. Ezekiel’s words call the people to repentance and a renewed commitment to the one true God as we examine this chapter.
Ezekiel 23:1-4
The passage in Ezekiel 23:1-4 introduces two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who symbolize Samaria and Jerusalem respectively. These two cities represent the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). The names Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic, as Oholah means “her tent” and Oholibah means “my tent in her.” This imagery evokes the idea of a tent as a place of dwelling or sanctuary, highlighting the intimacy of the relationship God desired to have with His people.
The passage goes on to describe the actions of these sisters, portraying them as engaging in immoral behavior and adultery. This imagery is used to depict the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to God, who had established a covenant with them. The sisters’ infidelity symbolizes the spiritual adultery of God’s people, who turned away from Him to worship foreign gods and indulge in sinful practices.
This section of Ezekiel 23 serves as a powerful allegory for the waywardness of the Israelites and their tendency to abandon God in favor of false idols. It highlights the consequences of idolatry and the violation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The imagery of adultery underscores the severity of their betrayal and the need for repentance and restoration.
Throughout the Bible, the theme of spiritual adultery is recurrent, particularly in the Old Testament where Israel is often depicted as an unfaithful wife. The prophet in Hosea is instructed to marry a prostitute as a symbol of God’s relationship with Israel, who had played the harlot by worshipping other gods. This metaphor emphasizes the deep pain caused by spiritual unfaithfulness and the longing of God for His people to return to Him. Ezekiel 23:1-4 delivers a poignant message about the consequences of unfaithfulness and the longing of God for His people to remain steadfast in their covenant with Him. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of loyalty and devotion to God, and the destructive nature of idolatry and sin. The story of Oholah and Oholibah serves as a warning to all believers to guard their hearts against spiritual adultery and to remain faithful to the Lord with sincerity and devotion.
Ezekiel 23:5-10
The breakdown in Ezekiel 23:5-10 is as follows: “Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the neighboring Assyrians, who were clothed in purple, governors and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses.”
This section speaks of Oholah, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. Oholah’s idolatry and unfaithfulness to God are depicted as playing the harlot. The reference to lusting after her lovers, the Assyrians, who were powerful and alluring, symbolizes Israel seeking security and alliances with other nations instead of relying on God. This act of idolatry and forsaking of God’s protection and guidance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the consequences of turning away from the Lord.
- “Thus she committed her harlotries with them, all of them choice men of Assyria; and with all for whom she lusted, with all their idols she defiled herself.”
This verse emphasizes how Israel engaged in spiritual adultery not only by forming alliances with Assyria but also by adopting their idolatrous practices. Israel strayed further from the true worship of God by defiling herself with the idols of her lovers. The mixing of foreign gods and practices with the worship of the one true God is a grave offense and is repeatedly condemned in the Bible. It serves as a warning against syncretism and the dangers of compromising one’s faith for the sake of worldly alliances.
- Men had lain with her in her youth in Egypt, handling her virgin bosom and pouring out their immorality upon her, and she did not forsake her harlotry.”
This section references Israel’s history, tracing back to the time in Egypt when the Israelites were enslaved. This imagery of Israel’s past as a young maiden being violated and corrupted by the nations around her illustrates the long-standing pattern of unfaithfulness and idolatry that characterized Israel’s relationship with God. Despite God’s deliverance from Egypt and His continual faithfulness to them, Israel persisted in her unfaithfulness and spiritual adultery. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and mercy towards His people, despite their repeated disobedience.
- “Therefore, I delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, for whom she lusted.”
The consequence of Israel’s unfaithfulness is highlighted in this verse. God, in His justice, allowed Israel to face the consequences of her actions by being delivered into the hands of the Assyrians, whom she had sought after for protection and support. This serves as a sobering reminder of the principle of reaping what one sows, as emphasized in Galatians 6:7. God’s judgment is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness to Him. The passage in Ezekiel 23:5-10 serves as a poignant depiction of Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry, leading to their eventual downfall and judgment by God. The imagery of spiritual adultery and forsaking the true God for worldly alliances serves as a timeless warning against compromising one’s faith and trust in God. The story of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s judgment highlights the consequences of turning away from Him and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience.
Ezekiel 23:11-21
Ezekiel continues to deliver a powerful message from God through a vivid allegory concerning two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem respectively in Ezekiel 23:11-21. These verses depict a tale of God’s chosen people, Israel and Judah, who had turned away from Him to engage in idolatry and sinful practices. Oholibah (Jerusalem) becomes even more corrupt than her sister Oholah (Samaria) by lusting after the Assyrians, who represent foreign powers in this specific section. This alliance was likened to illegitimate relationships that the Israelites had with other nations, forsaking their faithfulness to the One True God. The use of such graphic language aimed to shock the Israelites into realizing the severity of their spiritual adulteries and to turn back to God.
The tale of Oholibah’s infidelity serves as a cautionary tale for believers in all ages. It reminds us of the danger of spiritual unfaithfulness and the lure of worldly pleasures that can lead us away from God. Just like Oholibah, we can become entangled in sinful practices and compromise our faith if we are not vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds. The consequences of such unfaithfulness are grave, as seen in the subsequent verses where God’s judgment is pronounced upon Oholibah for her sins.
Throughout the Bible, the theme of spiritual unfaithfulness is echoed in numerous accounts of God’s people turning away from Him to pursue their own desires. The Israelites’ constant struggle with idolatry and their failure to remain true to God’s commandments serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience. Ezekiel’s vivid imagery of Oholibah’s unfaithfulness underscores the urgent need for repentance and restoration in our relationship with God. Readers reflecting on these verses are called to examine their own lives and ensure that they are not falling into the same trap of spiritual unfaithfulness. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, resisting the temptations of the world, and returning to God with sincere hearts when we have strayed. The story of Oholibah challenges believers to recommit themselves to God wholeheartedly and to turn away from any form of idolatry or sin that may be hindering their walk with Him.
Ezekiel 23:22-27
The verses in Ezekiel 23:22-27 focus on the consequences of the immoral actions of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who symbolize Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. These two sisters were guilty of engaging in idolatry and promiscuity, forsaking the Lord in pursuit of worldly pleasures.
The verses describe how God will incite their former lovers, the Assyrians and Babylonians, against them. These nations were once allies but would turn against Samaria and Jerusalem, bringing destruction upon them. The Assyrians had already dealt with the Israelites, who were carried away into captivity, and the Babylonians would later conquer Judah, destroying the temple and taking the people into exile.
This passage serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of turning away from God and pursuing sinful paths. The destruction and devastation that befell Samaria and Jerusalem were a direct result of their unfaithfulness and disobedience. It illustrates the principle of reaping what you sow, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Furthermore, the imagery of prostitution and adultery used in these verses symbolizes the spiritual unfaithfulness of the people towards God. Throughout the Bible, unfaithfulness to the Lord is often depicted as spiritual adultery. For instance, in the book of Hosea, the prophet’s marriage to an unfaithful wife symbolizes God’s relationship with Israel, who had gone after other gods. Ezekiel 23:22-27 serves as a somber reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the severe consequences that may result from turning away from Him. It emphasizes the need for repentance and obedience to avoid the judgment and destruction that come from straying from God’s path.
Ezekiel 23:28-35
The verse in Ezekiel 23:28-35 can be broken down into a few critical sections that each hold significant meaning. The passage speaks of a metaphorical allegory relating to the behavior of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem, and their unfaithfulness to God. These sisters are likened to prostitutes who have committed adultery, symbolizing the idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness of the people of Israel and Judah.
The verse begins by proclaiming that God will hand Oholibah (Jerusalem) over to her lovers, the Assyrians whom she desired and worshiped. This foretells the impending judgment and captivity of Jerusalem at the hands of foreign powers due to their spiritual infidelity. This serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and seeking false idols and worldly desires.
The passage then describes the punishment that Jerusalem will face as a result of her actions. God declares that He will stir up the lovers against her, leading to her exposure and humiliation. This illustrates the shame and disgrace that will befall those who choose to forsake the Lord and pursue sinful paths. The verse mentions the judgment of God upon the sinful practices of Oholibah, including the atrocities committed in the worship of idols. These acts of idolatry and immorality bring about the wrath of God and ultimately lead to the downfall of Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where the consequences of idol worship and spiritual unfaithfulness are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and obedience to God. The passage paints a grim picture of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God as it unfolds. Jerusalem’s lovers will turn against her, plunder her wealth, and strip her naked, symbolizing the destruction and desolation that will befall the city. This serves as a poignant reminder of the righteous judgment of God and the need for repentance and redemption. Ezekiel 23:28-35 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. Through the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah, the passage underscores the destructive consequences of turning away from God and chasing after false gods. It serves as a timeless message of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, obedience, and devotion to the Lord, for He is a jealous God who desires our wholehearted commitment. The narrative of Oholah and Oholibah stands as a cautionary tale for all believers to heed the word of God and walk in His ways, lest they face the judgment and wrath of the Almighty.
Ezekiel 23:36-42
Ezekiel 23:36-42 portrays the judgement of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, vividly and provocatively. These two sisters are depicted as unfaithful wives who have committed acts of adultery and harlotry. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, these two sisters symbolize Samaria (representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Jerusalem (representing the southern kingdom of Judah) respectively. The prophet Ezekiel uses this metaphor to convey a powerful message about the unfaithfulness and idolatry of the people of Israel and Judah.
Oholah, representing Samaria, is portrayed as the older sister who lusted after her Assyrian neighbors and their gods. She engaged in idolatry and spiritual adultery by forsaking the true worship of Yahweh for the false gods of the Assyrians. This betrayal of her covenant with God is seen as a grave sin that ultimately leads to her downfall and destruction. The consequences of her actions are severe, as she is punished for her unfaithfulness.
Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, is depicted as the younger sister who follows in the footsteps of her older sister in committing acts of harlotry and idolatry. Despite witnessing the consequences of Samaria’s unfaithfulness, Jerusalem repeats the same mistakes and engages in wickedness even more corrupt than that of Samaria. Just like her sister, she is condemned for her unrepentant sins and faces the judgement of God.
Through the story of Oholah and Oholibah, Ezekiel conveys a timeless message about the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry. The image of these two sisters serves as a powerful warning to the people of Israel and Judah, reminding them of the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the temptation of false idols. The story also highlights the mercy and justice of God, who punishes sin but also offers the opportunity for repentance and redemption.
This passage in Ezekiel is reminiscent of other biblical stories that warn against the dangers of idolatry and unfaithfulness. For example, the story of Israel’s idolatry and infidelity in the wilderness, as recounted in the book of Exodus, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God. Similarly, the prophets Hosea and Jeremiah also use the metaphor of marriage to convey the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and devotion. Ezekiel 23:36-42 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry, using the powerful imagery of Oholah and Oholibah to convey a timeless message about the importance of remaining true to God. The story of these two sisters challenges readers to examine their own hearts and lives, ensuring that they are not led astray by the allure of false gods and unfaithfulness, but instead remain steadfast in their devotion to the one true God.
Ezekiel 23:43-49
The consequences of faithlessness and idolatry among the people of Israel are vividly and metaphorically portrayed in Ezekiel 23:43-49. The passage begins with a powerful image of the two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah respectively, engaging in lewd and sinful behaviors. These sisters symbolize the spiritual adultery of the Israelites who turned away from God and worshipped foreign gods and idols.
The verse describes how Oholah and Oholibah abandoned their true husband, symbolizing the betrayal of God by His people. This betrayal led to severe consequences, as it often does in the Bible. Throughout the history of the Israelites, whenever they turned away from God and worshipped idols, they faced harsh judgments and punishments. This pattern is a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and not allowing other things to take His place in our lives.
The passage goes on to describe the punishment that befalls Oholah and Oholibah for their unfaithfulness, including being stripped of their clothing, taken captive by their lovers, and ultimately being stoned and cut down with swords. This imagery is a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the ultimate consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning to all believers to guard their hearts against idolatry and immorality.
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of God’s judgment on those who engage in idolatry and unfaithfulness. God commands His people not to worship any other gods besides Him in Exodus 20:3-5, warning that He is a jealous God who punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him. This serves as a powerful reminder that God takes idolatry seriously and expects His people to remain faithful to Him alone. Ezekiel 23:43-49 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry. It warns us to remain steadfast in our faith and not to allow anything to come between us and God. The story of Oholah and Oholibah is a cautionary tale that continues to resonate through the ages, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our covenant with God and avoiding the pitfalls of sin and disobedience.
After Ezekiel 23
The Lord had spoken to Ezekiel, revealing the sins of Oholah and Oholibah. Their adulterous ways had brought them to ruin. Yet, the Lord’s mercy remained. Ezekiel knew the people must heed this warning as the chapter drew to a close. For if they continued in their wicked ways, the consequences would be severe. But the path to redemption was still open. The prophet would share the Lord’s message of hope in the next chapter if only the people would turn from their transgressions and return to Him. The choice was theirs to make.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.