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Oholibah in the Bible

also known as: Aholibah

Hebrew: אהליבה

This is the name of an imaginary harlot mentioned by Yahweh as symbolic of Jerusalem. She had abandoned the worship of the true God and given herself up to the idolatries practiced by pagan nations (Ezek. 23:4, 11, 22, 36, 44).

Her sister Oholah (Aholah) personifies the cities of Samaria, representing the Kingdom of Israel.

The sin of idolatry is considered adultery against the one true God, Creator of the universe.

“The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying… Jerusalem is Oholibah. …Therefore, O Oholibah, thus says Lord Yahweh, ‘Behold, I will arouse your lovers against you, those with whom your soul was disgusted, and I will bring them against you from every side: the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them; desirable choice men, governors and officials, all of them, officers and men of renown, all of them riding on horses.

They will come against you with weapons, chariots and wagons, and with an assembly of peoples. They will set themselves against you on every side with large shield and shield and helmet; and I will give the judgment to them, and they will judge you according to their judgments. And I will set My jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in wrath. —Ezek. 23:1-4, 22-25 LSB excerpt

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Article Version: January 6, 2025