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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 23:5. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, so we need to understand it in context. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very specific and troubling situation involving a powerful woman – Aholah – who was connected to the Assyrian people (a group of foreign rulers). She was described as engaging in a relationship with them, prioritizing their pleasure and affection. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 23:5” : This is a passage from a book called Ezekiel, written by the prophet Ezekiel. It’s a very old text, dating back to around 6th century BC. “And Aholah played the harlot…” : This is a key phrase. "Harlot" means someone who is overly fond of men or intoxicated with pleasure. In this context, Aholah was described as being obsessed with her relationships with Assyrian officials and their partners. “when she was mine” : This highlights the extreme nature of her behavior. It’s not just a casual connection; it suggests a deep and devoted relationship. “and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours” : This is where it gets really unsettling. Aholah wasn't simply enjoying their company; she was actively prioritizing their pleasure and affection. She was showering them with attention, gifts, and perhaps even… something else. “The Assyrians [her] neighbours” refers to the Assyrian rulers – the people who controlled the region where Aholah was involved. She was showing her love and devotion to them in a way that was deeply troubling for Ezekiel. What’s the Significance? This verse is considered one of the most disturbing passages in the Bible. It raises serious questions about: Abuse of Power: Aholah held significant power over a large area, and her actions suggest she abused that power to indulge in personal desires. Unnatural Behavior: It challenges our understanding of what it means to be a godly woman – a woman who is devoted to God and right living. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say why Aholah did this. It’s interpreted as a consequence of her sin, a result of her pride and wandering away from God. It was a period of great upheaval in the land, and this incident is seen as a sign of a larger spiritual problem. In short, the verse describes a woman who prioritized pleasure and affection for foreign officials to an extreme degree, which was considered a serious transgression by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Explore the context of Ezekiel 23? Discuss what this verse might symbolize or represent?