Ezekiel 23:36
“Yahweh said moreover to me: “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations.”
What does Ezekiel 23:36 mean?
God is calling Ezekiel to confront two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who represent Israel's northern and southern kingdoms. These weren't real women but symbolic figures Ezekiel used to communicate how both kingdoms had abandoned God's covenant by chasing power and protection from foreign nations instead of trusting him. God is essentially saying, "Tell them plainly what they've done wrong, so they understand the serious consequences of their unfaithfulness." This passage speaks to something many of us know in our own lives: sometimes love requires honest conversation about harm we've caused. God doesn't turn away from his people in silence; he sends prophets to name the real problem so there's a chance for repentance and restoration. If you're wrestling with your own failings or wondering why God seems to confront us, this verse reminds us that naming our mistakes is often the first step toward healing.