Ezekiel 23:4
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.
Ezekiel 23:4 (KJV)
Context
The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, containing visions and messages from God to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. In this chapter, Ezekiel delivers a parable or allegory about two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, who represent Samaria and Jerusalem respectively.
Meaning
Aholah and Aholibah are symbolic names, not literal personal names. Aholah means “her own tent” or “her own tabernacle,” while Aholibah means “my tent is in her” or “my tabernacle is in her,” signifying that God’s dwelling was in Jerusalem. God describes them as “mine” because they were His chosen people, having entered into a covenant relationship with Him. The statement that they “bare sons and daughters” refers to the people of these kingdoms, the descendants of Israel.
The passage uses the relationship between two sisters to illustrate the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of Samaria and Jerusalem. The language is symbolic and metaphorical, depicting these two cities as unfaithful wives who commit spiritual adultery by engaging in idolatry and seeking after other gods. Their children indicate that idolatrous practices were passed on to the next generations.
Biblical connections
Throughout the chapter, Ezekiel describes the consequences that Samaria and Jerusalem would face due to their unfaithfulness to God, including being conquered and brought low, experiencing the judgment and wrath of God. The elder sister, Aholah (Samaria), had already fallen to Assyria, serving as a warning.
God’s Covenant Faithfulness: Despite the unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem, God’s covenant faithfulness is evident throughout the book of Ezekiel. The ultimate purpose of God’s judgments is to bring His people back to repentance and restoration.
Application
Ezekiel 23:4 serves as a prophetic allegory, using the imagery of two sisters to illustrate the unfaithfulness and idolatry of Samaria and Jerusalem. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the consequences that can come from straying away from Him.
