Topical Encyclopedia
The phrase "Judgment on Both Sisters" refers to the prophetic allegory found in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in
Ezekiel 23. This chapter presents a vivid and symbolic narrative concerning two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who represent the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. Through this allegory, God communicates His judgment upon these two cities for their spiritual adultery and idolatry.
Oholah and Oholibah:In
Ezekiel 23:1-4, the prophet introduces the two sisters: "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. They prostituted themselves in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth. In that land their breasts were fondled and their virgin bosoms caressed. 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.'"
Oholah (Samaria):Oholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as having engaged in harlotry with the Assyrians.
Ezekiel 23:5-8 describes her unfaithfulness: "Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all desirable young men, horsemen riding 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."
God's judgment upon Oholah is severe. In
Ezekiel 23:9-10, it is declared: "Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians for whom she lusted. They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and killed her with the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and judgment was executed against her."
Oholibah (Jerusalem):Oholibah, representing Jerusalem, is portrayed as even more corrupt than her sister.
Ezekiel 23:11-13 states: "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 in full dress, horsemen riding on steeds, all desirable young men. And I saw that she too had defiled herself; both of them had taken the same path."
Jerusalem's infidelity extends beyond Assyria to Babylon, as described in
Ezekiel 23:14-17. God's judgment upon Oholibah is pronounced in
Ezekiel 23:22-24: "Therefore, Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will incite your lovers against you, those from whom you turned in disgust, and 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, all desirable young men, governors and commanders, officers and men of renown, mounted on horses. They will come against you with an army, with chariots and wagons and 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.'"
Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry:The allegory of Oholah and Oholibah serves as a powerful indictment of spiritual adultery and idolatry. Both sisters are accused of forsaking their covenant relationship with God and pursuing alliances and idolatries with foreign nations. This unfaithfulness is likened to harlotry, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature to describe Israel's and Judah's infidelity to God.
Divine Judgment:The judgment pronounced upon both sisters is a reflection of God's holiness and justice. Their punishment is depicted as a consequence of their own choices, as they are handed over to the very nations they pursued. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views idolatry and unfaithfulness.
Theological Implications:The narrative of judgment on both sisters underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of spiritual compromise. It highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows persistent rebellion. Through this allegory, the prophet Ezekiel calls the people of God to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness.
