Ezekiel 23:4 – “The older was named Oholah, and her sister was Oholibah. They were mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, God identifies the two sisters introduced in Ezekiel 23:3 as allegories for Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah). These names are symbolic, with Oholah meaning “her own tent” and Oholibah meaning “my tent is in her.” These names reflect their spiritual condition and relationship with God.
Oholah (Samaria) represents the northern kingdom of Israel, which had its own religious system and places of worship independent of Jerusalem. Oholibah (Jerusalem) represents the southern kingdom of Judah, where God had established His temple, signifying His presence among His people.
The statement “they were mine” underscores God’s claim over them as His covenant people. Despite their unfaithfulness, they belonged to Him, and He had a special relationship with them. The mention of their children, representing their people and legacy, further emphasizes their role in God’s plan.
Historical Context
During the divided kingdom period, Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem) both strayed from God in different ways. Samaria set up alternate centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, turning to idolatry under King Jeroboam’s leadership (1 Kings 12:28-31). Jerusalem, despite having the temple and access to true worship, also fell into idolatry and alliances with pagan nations.
By personifying these kingdoms as unfaithful sisters, God paints a vivid picture of their spiritual adultery. Samaria, the older sister, fell first, conquered by Assyria in 722 BC. Jerusalem, represented by the younger sister, followed in her footsteps, eventually falling to Babylon in 586 BC.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the intimate and covenantal relationship God had with His people. By saying “they were mine,” God reminds us that He chose Israel and Judah to be His, entering into a covenant relationship with them. Their unfaithfulness is not merely a violation of rules but a betrayal of a loving relationship.
The symbolic names highlight their spiritual roles and failures. Oholah’s independence (“her own tent”) reflects Samaria’s rejection of God’s authority, while Oholibah’s designation (“my tent is in her”) shows that even those with access to God’s presence can still rebel against Him.
Literary Analysis
The use of allegory here is a powerful way to communicate spiritual truths. By giving the kingdoms symbolic names and portraying them as sisters, God emphasizes their shared identity and collective guilt. The contrast between their names underscores their differing roles but also their common failure to live up to God’s expectations.
The imagery is deeply relational, showing God as a betrayed husband. This makes the consequences of their actions not just legal or political but deeply personal and emotional.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Hosea 1:2-9: Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful wife symbolizes Israel’s unfaithfulness to God.
- Jeremiah 3:6-10: God compares Israel and Judah’s unfaithfulness, noting that Judah failed to learn from Israel’s downfall.
- 1 Kings 12:28-31: The establishment of alternate worship centers in the northern kingdom, leading to idolatry.
- Ezekiel 16:8-15: Another allegory of Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of God’s claim over His people and His deep desire for faithfulness in our relationship with Him. It challenges believers to reflect on their own spiritual lives. Are we truly faithful to God, or do we allow distractions and idols to take His place in our hearts?
It also warns against taking God’s blessings for granted. Access to His presence, as symbolized by the temple in Jerusalem, does not guarantee faithfulness. We must continually seek to align our lives with His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His ownership of His people. By saying “they were mine,” He shows His commitment to them, even when they turn away from Him. His willingness to confront their sin and warn them through prophets like Ezekiel demonstrates His desire for their restoration, not their destruction.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant relationship with His people. Where Israel and Judah failed to remain faithful, Jesus was perfectly obedient to God’s will (Philippians 2:8). Through His life, death, and resurrection, He established a new covenant, bringing people into a relationship with God that is based on grace rather than law (Luke 22:20).
Jesus also unites God’s people, transcending the divisions represented by Samaria and Jerusalem. In Christ, there is no separation, as all believers are one in Him (Ephesians 2:14-16).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean for us today to belong to God? How should that shape our daily lives?
- How can we guard against the temptation to rely on our own “tents” instead of trusting in God’s presence?
- What lessons can we learn from the unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem?
- How does this passage deepen our understanding of God’s love and His desire for a relationship with His people?
- In what ways does Jesus restore the broken relationship described in this verse?
This verse is a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness but also a call to return to the God who loves us and desires our wholehearted devotion. Through Jesus, we find hope and restoration, no matter how far we have strayed.