OOLLA and OOLIBA. — Symbolic names chosen by Ezechiele (chap. 23) to designate Samaria and Jerusalem. Both are transcriptions of the Hebrew 'Ohôlâh = “her own tent” or “she who has her own tent”; 'Ohôlibhâh = “my tent in her” or “she in whom is my tent” (it is the Lord who speaks); from 'ôhel = “tent.”
The Kingdom of Samaria, having separated from Judah, established two sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan (I Reg. 12, 28 ff.), thus erecting “her own tent” in opposition to the sanctuary of Jerusalem; she was severely punished for her infidelities. Judah has within her midst the Temple, tent of the Most High; this privilege aggravates her responsibility, because she has sinned more than “her sister” Samaria (Ez. 16, 44-52; 23); she must therefore be punished at least as severely as the latter.