The Parable of the Two Sisters is found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 23. This parable is a vivid allegory used by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God's message to the people of Israel and Judah. It serves as a powerful illustration of the spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry that plagued the two kingdoms.

Context and Background

Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, was tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. The parable is set against the backdrop of a nation that had repeatedly turned away from God, despite His continuous calls for repentance and faithfulness. The historical context includes the divided kingdom period, where Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) often engaged in idolatry and formed alliances with pagan nations, contrary to God's commandments.

The Allegory

In Ezekiel 23, the two sisters are named Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah), respectively. The names themselves carry symbolic meaning: Oholah means "her tent," and Oholibah means "my tent is in her," indicating God's presence and His intended dwelling among His people.

The parable describes the sisters as engaging in harlotry, symbolizing their spiritual adultery through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations. Oholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as having committed harlotry with the Assyrians, leading to her downfall and captivity. The text states, "Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians" (Ezekiel 23:5).

Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, is portrayed as even more corrupt, following in her sister's footsteps and exceeding her in unfaithfulness. She is described as lusting after the Babylonians and Egyptians, leading to her eventual judgment and exile. The scripture notes, "But she became more and more promiscuous, acting worse than her sister" (Ezekiel 23:11).

Theological Significance

The parable serves as a stark warning against idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. It highlights the consequences of turning away from the covenant relationship with the Lord. The imagery of harlotry underscores the seriousness of spiritual infidelity, equating it with the breaking of a sacred bond akin to marriage.

God's response to the sisters' actions is one of righteous judgment, yet it is also a call to repentance. The parable emphasizes God's desire for His people to return to Him, forsaking their idolatrous ways and renewing their commitment to His commandments.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The Parable of the Two Sisters teaches several key lessons:

1. Faithfulness to God: The parable underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and His commandments, avoiding the allure of idolatry and worldly alliances.

2. Consequences of Sin: It illustrates the inevitable consequences of sin and unfaithfulness, serving as a warning to those who turn away from God.

3. Call to Repentance: Despite the severity of the judgment, the parable also conveys God's willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent and return to Him.

4. God's Sovereignty: The narrative reaffirms God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute judgment while still offering mercy to the repentant.

In summary, the Parable of the Two Sisters is a profound allegory that communicates the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness and the enduring call to repentance and faithfulness to God. Through the vivid imagery and historical context, it remains a timeless message for believers to uphold their covenant relationship with the Lord.