יחזקאל, פרק ט״ז, פסוק כ״ו

A harsh and blunt image of spiritual betrayal unfolds, comparing the nation to a deeply unfaithful woman driven by an intense attraction to those around her. The metaphor captures the Israelites' dangerous infatuation with Egyptian culture. They eagerly adopted Egyptian idol worship and sought their political alliances, a historical reality that took place during the reign of King Ahaz [מלבי״ם]. The geographical closeness between the nations only made this forbidden relationship easier to pursue.

The prophet uses graphic physical imagery to convey the sheer force of this spiritual betrayal. The primary approach among commentators is that the blunt descriptions of male physical endowment serve as a metaphor for an overwhelming, uncontrollable urge. Just as a promiscuous woman might lust after physical gratification, the Israelites developed a massive, unrestrained appetite for the abominations and pagan practices of the Egyptians [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

However, this spiritual collapse went far beyond mere cultural influence or a weakness for temptation. The sheer volume and intensity of their idol worship reached such extreme levels that it could no longer be dismissed as a simple lack of self-control. Instead, the behavior took on a dark, malicious nature. The Israelites acted with the direct and deliberate intention to rebel against God and provoke Him to anger [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].