יחזקאל, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ל״ד

The relationship between the Israelites and surrounding nations is cast as a tragic and unnatural betrayal. Rather than simply falling prey to outside influences, the people actively sought out foreign cultures and their idolatrous practices.

This pursuit is framed through the metaphor of prostitution, but with a profound and disturbing reversal of the natural order. Typically, a prostitute is sought after by others and receives payment for her services. Here, however, the behavior is entirely backward, driven by an excessive and uncontrollable desire [מצודת דוד]. The Israelites invested their resources into these foreign relationships without receiving any benefit in return [שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].

This inversion of nature plays out in two distinct ways. First, instead of being pursued, the Israelites are the ones aggressively chasing after their lovers. Second, instead of accepting payment, they are the ones paying [מלבי״ם].

The primary approach among commentators is to view this extreme promiscuity as historically unprecedented, noting that such a level of betrayal never existed before and never will again [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective focuses on the unbalanced dynamic of the relationship itself. Although the Israelites pour all their desire into these foreign lovers, the nations do not pursue or seek them out at all [מלבי״ם]. The phrasing emphasizes a completely one-sided reality, highlighting that absolutely no one is drawn to pursue them in return [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

The ultimate distortion of this relationship lies in the exchange of wealth. While a prostitute normally takes a fee, the Israelites pay their lovers instead [מלבי״ם, שטיינזלץ]. In the reality behind the metaphor, this points directly to their idolatry. Naturally, worshippers expect a deity to provide them with blessings, goodness, and abundance. Yet, the Israelites offer sacrifices and decorate foreign idols with their own silver and gold, gaining absolutely nothing in return [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, this dynamic represents a complete breakdown of logic, creating a situation that contradicts the very nature of the world [מלבי״ם].