“The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother. 3 They committed harlotry in Egypt, they committed harlotry in their youth; their breasts were there embraced, their virgin bosom was there pressed. 4 Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah.” Ezekiel 23:1 NKJV
“Oholah played the harlot even though she was Mine; and she lusted for her lovers, the neighboring Assyrians,” Ezekiel 23:5 NKJV
““Now although her sister Oholibah saw this, she became more corrupt in her lust than she, and in her harlotry more corrupt than her sister’s harlotry. 12 “She lusted for the neighboring Assyrians, Captains and rulers, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. 13 Then I saw that she was defiled; both took the same way. 14 But she increased her harlotry; she looked at men portrayed on the wall, images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion,” Ezekiel 23:11-14 NKJV
Father God,
We read this condemnation of Samaria and Judah and perhaps we do not see it as judgemental as it is because of the age we live in. Harlotry, unfaithfulness in particular ,was punishable by death (Deuteronomy 22:21). And You Father were in covenant with both Samaria and Judah. They were unfaithful to You with other gods..
Today perhaps we are less judgemental of breakdown in relationships. We try to be understanding and accept people make mistakes. But here we are talking about a relationship that has been entered into willingly, fully and for eternity. Now being thrust back in Your holy face.
Samaria is Oholah (her own tabernacle) , and Jerusalem is Oholibah (My tabernacle is within her), You were stressing that even though Jerusalem had Your Temple within her she was worse. Ezekiel tells us they sacrificed their children to idols and then entered the house of the Lord (Ezekiel 23:39). We shudder at the thought.
But do we sometimes touch wood or walk round a ladder and then praise God. What can the wood do? I do not read my horoscope but I know those who do even if they say it is for fun. Do I cherish the relationship I have with You God? Enough to avoid putting my trust and worshipping anything else? Is there anything or anyone demanding more attention that You, or that I had not noticed was demanding worship?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 6th August 2026
I bought the CD Hungry many years ago before downloads. I still enjoy listening to it.
There’s no one like our God, no one at all
He gave His Son for us, Jesus the Lord
Who can love us like He does, no one at all
Oh how we love You Lord
You are high above all nations
Your glory shines above the heavens
Humbled Yourself to love and save us
Be praised through endless generations
Chorus
You lift the needy from the ashes
And seat them high up with the princes
You give the barren woman healing
Shell dance with joy like the mother of children
Chorus repeat . . .
Oh how we love You Lord.
Lyrics: Vicky Beeching & Steve Mitchinson