Oholah and Oholibah are symbolic names used in the book of Ezekiel to represent the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. These names are part of a prophetic allegory found in Ezekiel 23, where the prophet Ezekiel conveys God's message of judgment against the two cities for their spiritual adultery and idolatry.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Oholah" means "her tent," while "Oholibah" means "my tent is in her." These names are significant in the context of the allegory, as they reflect the relationship between God and the two cities. "Her tent" suggests a self-reliant or independent dwelling, while "my tent is in her" indicates God's presence and covenant relationship with Jerusalem.

Biblical Context:

In Ezekiel 23, God uses the metaphor of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, to describe the unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem. The chapter begins with God addressing Ezekiel:

"Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. They played the harlot in Egypt; they played the harlot in their youth. There their breasts were handled and their virgin bosoms caressed." (Ezekiel 23:2-3)

Oholah, representing Samaria, is described as engaging in harlotry with the Assyrians, leading to her eventual downfall:

"Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen mounted on steeds. She offered her harlotries to them, all of them choice men of Assyria, and she defiled herself with all the idols of everyone she lusted after." (Ezekiel 23:5-7)

Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, is depicted as even more corrupt, following in her sister's footsteps and exceeding her in idolatry and alliances with foreign nations:

"Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister. She too lusted after the Assyrians—governors and commanders, warriors dressed in splendid attire, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men." (Ezekiel 23:11-12)

Theological Significance:

The allegory of Oholah and Oholibah serves as a powerful indictment of the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. It highlights the consequences of idolatry and the breaking of the covenant relationship with God. The use of marital imagery underscores the seriousness of their infidelity, portraying it as a betrayal akin to adultery.

God's judgment upon Oholah and Oholibah is severe, reflecting His holiness and justice. The narrative warns of the impending destruction that will come upon both cities due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. Despite their privileged status as God's chosen people, their unfaithfulness leads to their downfall.

Historical Context:

Historically, Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC. Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, faced destruction at the hands of the Babylonians in 586 BC. The allegory of Oholah and Oholibah prophetically anticipates these events, serving as a warning to the people of God about the consequences of turning away from Him.

Application:

The account of Oholah and Oholibah serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God. It calls believers to examine their own lives for any form of idolatry or spiritual compromise. The narrative encourages a wholehearted devotion to God, emphasizing the need to remain true to His covenant and to avoid the allure of worldly influences that lead away from Him.