יחזקאל, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ט״ז

Oholibah, representing Judah, is drawn into false illusions. After her past political ties with Assyria prove useless, she shifts her focus to build new relationships with Babylon [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This attraction is characterized by intense desire and lust. The primary approach among commentators is that this deep yearning is sparked the moment she sees the beauty of the images of their figures and their impressive garments [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Offering a slightly different perspective, another view suggests that her passion is expressed through the very desire simply to look at them [מלבי״ם].

Consumed by this desire, she sends envoys to the Chaldeans. This action is understood on two complementary levels. Metaphorically, she dispatches these messengers to invite them into acts of harlotry, seeking to make them regular visitors [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. On a practical level, the mission of these envoys is a calculated diplomatic effort to secure a treaty and establish formal political relations with the Chaldean empire [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].