Oholibah is a symbolic name used in the book of Ezekiel to represent the southern kingdom of Judah. The name is part of a prophetic allegory found in Ezekiel 23, where the prophet Ezekiel uses the metaphor of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to depict the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. The name "Oholibah" means "My tent is in her," signifying God's dwelling place among His people, as the temple was located in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.

Biblical Context

In Ezekiel 23, the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah is presented as a vivid and graphic portrayal of the idolatry and spiritual adultery committed by the two kingdoms. Oholah represents Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, while Oholibah represents Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. The narrative describes how both sisters engaged in harlotry, symbolizing their alliances and idolatrous practices with surrounding nations.

Ezekiel 23:4 states: "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."

Spiritual Unfaithfulness

Oholibah's actions are depicted as even more egregious than those of her sister Oholah. Despite witnessing the consequences of Oholah's unfaithfulness, Oholibah pursued similar alliances and idolatrous practices. Ezekiel 23:11 notes: "Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet she was more depraved in her lust than Oholah, and she also prostituted herself with the Assyrians."

The allegory continues to describe Oholibah's infidelity with the Babylonians and other nations, highlighting Judah's reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting in the Lord. This spiritual adultery is condemned by God, who declares judgment upon Oholibah for her unfaithfulness.

Judgment and Consequences

The prophetic message delivered through the allegory of Oholibah serves as a warning of impending judgment. God declares that the very nations with whom Oholibah committed spiritual adultery would turn against her, leading to her downfall. Ezekiel 23:22-24 proclaims: "Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned in disgust. I will bring them against you from every side—the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, the men of Pekod, Shoa, and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them, handsome young men, governors and commanders, all of them officers and men of renown, mounted on horses. They will come against you with an army, chariots and wagons, and with a throng of people. They will array themselves against you on every side with buckler, shield, and helmet. I will delegate judgment to them, and they will judge you according to their own standards.'"

Theological Significance

The account of Oholibah serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness and the importance of remaining true to God. It underscores the theme of divine judgment against idolatry and the futility of relying on human alliances instead of trusting in the Lord. The allegory also highlights God's desire for a pure and faithful relationship with His people, calling them to repentance and renewed devotion.

Oholibah's narrative is a sobering reflection on the dangers of spiritual compromise and the need for steadfast faithfulness to God, who alone is worthy of worship and trust.Ohol'ibah (5 Occurrences)

Ezekiel 23:4
And the names of them were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister; and they became Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. And as for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem Oholibah.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:11
And her sister Oholibah saw this, yet was she more corrupt in her doting than she, and in her harlotries more than her sister in her harlotries.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:22
Therefore, O Oholibah, thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I will raise up thy lovers against thee, from whom thy soul is alienated, and I will bring them against thee on every side:
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:36
The LORD said moreover unto me: 'Son of man, wilt thou judge Oholah and Oholibah? then declare unto them their abominations.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 23:44
For every one went in unto her, as men go in unto a harlot; so went they in unto Oholah and unto Oholibah, the lewd women.
(See RSV)

Ohol'ibah (5 Occurrences)
Ohol'ibah. Oholibah, Ohol'ibah. Oholibamah . Multi-Version Concordance
Ohol'ibah (5 Occurrences). Ezekiel 23:4 And the names of ...
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Oholibamah (7 Occurrences)

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Oholibah (5 Occurrences)

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