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Aholah

biblical_symbolic_name theological_term standard

Aholah is the symbolic name Ezekiel gives to Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, in Ezekiel 23. It appears in a prophetic allegory about covenant unfaithfulness.

At a Glance

Symbolic name for Samaria in Ezekiel 23.

Key Points

Description

Aholah is the symbolic name Ezekiel uses for Samaria in Ezekiel 23, where Samaria and Jerusalem are portrayed as two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah. The chapter employs strong prophetic imagery to expose the idolatry, political alliances, and covenant unfaithfulness of both kingdoms. In context, Aholah refers particularly to the northern kingdom of Israel, whose sin is described as spiritual adultery against the Lord. The term functions as a literary and prophetic symbol within a specific passage rather than as a general theological concept.

Biblical Context

Ezekiel 23 presents a prophetic allegory in which two sisters represent Samaria and Jerusalem. Aholah is the sister identified with Samaria, and her story emphasizes the northern kingdom’s long-standing idolatry and unfaithfulness to the Lord.

Historical Context

The name points to the divided-monarchy period, when the northern kingdom of Israel developed its own capital at Samaria and later fell into Assyrian judgment. Ezekiel uses the image to interpret Israel’s history through the lens of covenant violation.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible often uses vivid symbolic names and marital imagery to describe covenant relationship and apostasy. Ezekiel’s allegory belongs to that tradition and is meant to expose sin, not merely entertain with figurative language.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The Hebrew name functions as a symbolic proper name in Ezekiel’s allegory. Its significance comes from the prophetic context more than from a doctrinal term.

Theological Significance

Aholah illustrates the covenant language of Scripture: God’s people are portrayed as belonging to him, and idolatry is treated as spiritual unfaithfulness. The passage underscores God’s holiness, covenant justice, and the seriousness of apostasy.

Philosophical Explanation

The term is not an abstract concept but a literary symbol. It shows how Scripture can use personal-name imagery to embody corporate identity and moral accountability.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Aholah as a separate historical person. The name is part of a prophetic allegory, so its meaning must be read in context. The passage uses intense marital and sexual imagery, which should be handled carefully and not flattened into a merely sentimental lesson.

Major Views

Most interpreters understand Aholah to represent Samaria and the northern kingdom of Israel in Ezekiel’s allegory. The main interpretive question is not the identity of Aholah but the force and purpose of the prophetic imagery.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry is descriptive, not a doctrinal category. It should not be used to build speculative theology beyond Ezekiel’s message about covenant unfaithfulness and divine judgment.

Practical Significance

Aholah reminds readers that outward covenant identity does not protect against judgment when worship is corrupted by idolatry and unfaithfulness. It calls for steadfast loyalty to the Lord.

Related Entries

See Also

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