Ezekiel 23:5

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours,

And Aholah {H170} played the harlot {H2181} when she was mine {H8478}; and she doted {H5689} on her lovers {H157}, on the Assyrians {H804} her neighbours {H7138},

"Even when she belonged to me, Oholah prostituted herself; she lusted after her lovers from Ashur - warriors

Oholah prostituted herself while she was still Mine. She lusted after her lovers, the Assyrians—warriors

And Oholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors,

Commentary

Ezekiel 23 presents a powerful and graphic allegory of two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem), respectively. Verse 5 specifically focuses on Aholah, symbolizing Samaria, and her spiritual infidelity.

Context of Ezekiel 23:5

In this vivid prophetic vision, God uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe the unfaithfulness of His covenant people. Aholah, representing Samaria, is depicted as having "played the harlot when she was mine," highlighting her betrayal of the unique relationship she had with the Lord. This refers to Israel's consistent departure from monotheistic worship and their pursuit of alliances with pagan nations, adopting their idolatrous practices.

The phrase "she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours," points directly to the historical reality of Israel's (the Northern Kingdom's) political and religious entanglements with the powerful Assyrian Empire. Instead of trusting in God for protection and prosperity, Israel repeatedly sought treaties and military aid from Assyria, which often involved adopting Assyrian gods and customs. This reliance on foreign powers, rather than the Lord, was seen as spiritual adultery, a direct violation of their covenant with God, as also lamented by other prophets like Hosea.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry: The core theme is the severe sin of turning away from God to worship other gods or to place trust in worldly powers. This is a recurring accusation against Israel throughout the Old Testament, portrayed here as a particularly egregious act of betrayal against a loving husband.
  • Covenant Betrayal: "When she was mine" emphasizes God's ownership and the covenant relationship He had with Israel, established at Mount Sinai. Aholah's actions represent a deliberate breaking of this sacred bond.
  • Consequences of Unfaithfulness: The graphic nature of the allegory underscores the gravity of Israel's sin and foreshadows the devastating judgment that would come upon Samaria, leading to its destruction and the exile of its people by the very Assyrians they doted upon.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "played the harlot" is zanah (זָנָה), which literally means to commit fornication or prostitution. However, in prophetic literature, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and breaking covenant with God. The word "doted" comes from 'agav (עָגַב), conveying an intense, lustful, and misplaced affection, emphasizing the passion with which Aholah pursued her foreign alliances and gods.

Practical Application

While the immediate context is ancient Israel, the message of Ezekiel 23:5 resonates strongly today. We are called to undivided loyalty to God. This verse serves as a warning against:

  • Spiritual Compromise: Allowing worldly values, systems, or desires to take precedence over our devotion to God.
  • Misplaced Trust: Relying on human institutions, wealth, power, or political alliances more than on God's sovereignty and provision. This can be a form of modern idolatry.
  • Unfaithfulness: Reminding believers of the importance of maintaining a pure and committed relationship with God, as highlighted in passages like James 4:4, which speaks against friendship with the world.

Ultimately, Ezekiel 23:5 calls us to examine our own hearts and allegiances, ensuring that God remains our singular focus and trust.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 15:19

    [And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

  • 2 Kings 17:3

    Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

  • Hosea 5:13

    When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah [saw] his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound.

  • 2 Kings 16:7

    So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

  • Hosea 8:9

    For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

  • Hosea 8:10

    Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.

  • Jeremiah 50:38

    A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols.