Oholibah אׇהֳלִיבָה

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Symbolic name for Jerusalem

Who is Oholibah in the Bible?

Oholibah is a symbolic name used by the prophet Ezekiel to represent Jerusalem and the southern kingdom of Judah (Ezekiel 23:4). In Ezekiel's allegorical prophecy, Oholibah and her sister Oholah, representing Samaria, are portrayed as unfaithful women who pursued idolatry and formed alliances with foreign nations (Ezekiel 23:11-44). The name likely means "my tent is in her," possibly referring to God's temple dwelling in Jerusalem. Through this vivid allegory, Ezekiel condemned Judah's spiritual adultery and warned of the divine judgment they would face, including destruction at the hands of the very nations they had courted. This prophecy emphasized the consequences of abandoning God's covenant and serves as a cautionary narrative about unfaithfulness and divine judgment.

Biography

Oholibah is a symbolic name used by the prophet Ezekiel to represent Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom of Judah (Ezk.23.4). In Ezekiel's allegorical prophecy, Oholibah and her sister Oholah (representing Samaria) are portrayed as promiscuous women who engaged in idolatry and sought alliances with foreign nations (Ezk.23.11-44). The name Oholibah likely means "my tent is in her," possibly referring to the presence of the temple and God's dwelling place in Jerusalem. Through this allegory, Ezekiel condemns the unfaithfulness of Judah, highlighting their spiritual adultery and the consequences they would face as a result of their actions, including judgment and destruction by the hands of their former lovers (Ezk.23.22-35).

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Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew אׇהֳלִיבָה
Encyclopedia Article

Oholibah

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)