Parable of the Two Sisters
Ezekiel 23:1-49
Biblical Text
The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, there were two women, daughters of the same mother. They became prostitutes in Egypt, engaging in prostitution from their youth...
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.
Oholah engaged in prostitution while she was still mine; and she lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors clothed in blue, governors and commanders, all of them handsome young men, and mounted horsemen...
Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister... Therefore I will deliver her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians, for whom she lusted."
— Ezekiel 23:1-9, 11, 9 (NIV)
Context
Ezekiel used this extended allegory to describe the spiritual unfaithfulness of both the northern kingdom (Samaria/Oholah) and the southern kingdom (Jerusalem/Oholibah). It portrays their pursuit of political alliances and idolatry as spiritual adultery.
Theological Interpretation
This parable dramatically illustrates God's perspective on spiritual unfaithfulness. Using the metaphor of marriage and adultery, it shows how Israel and Judah's political alliances and idolatry violated their covenant relationship with God.
Practical Applications
Covenant Faithfulness
- •God desires exclusive devotion
- •Divided loyalty is spiritual adultery
- •Past judgment should warn us
False Security
- •Worldly alliances bring danger
- •Trust in God alone
- •Learn from others' mistakes
Divine Justice
- •Sin brings consequences
- •God judges unfaithfulness
- •Judgment fits the crime