יחזקאל, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ד׳

A vivid family parable of two sisters captures the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites. It traces their path from early unity under God's covenant to a tragic division into two kingdoms with entirely opposing spiritual centers. The prophet initially introduces the sisters using metaphorical names that carry deep prophetic meaning, only revealing their actual geographic identities at the end of the narrative [אברבנאל].

The older sister is given a name meaning "her tent," implying a separate, independent space where God has no part. The primary approach among commentators is that this symbolizes idol worship, such as the golden calves erected by Jeroboam and the Baal worship introduced by Ahab [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, a unique perspective suggests the name hints at the historical Tabernacle that once stood in Shiloh, within the territory of Ephraim [חומת אנך]. She is considered the older sister either because she was the firstborn [מצודת דוד] or because she represented the vast majority of the Israelite tribes [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. The younger sister is given a name meaning "My tent is in her." Commentators unanimously agree that this refers to the Temple, the specific place where God's presence truly dwells [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, חומת אנך, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Before their paths diverged, the sisters shared a unified history. After the Israelites left Egypt, God drew both sisters to Himself, establishing a covenant with them at Mount Sinai [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. During this ideal era, the nation was united and faithful, following God's commandments much like a loyal and righteous wife. As a result of this faithfulness, they experienced great prosperity and demographic growth, represented in the parable by the birth of many children [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The connection forged during this time is understood to be an eternal, unbreakable bond. It serves as a promise that despite later sins and national division, the Israelites will ultimately return to God [חומת אנך].

As the nation multiplied and eventually fractured, the true geographic identities of the sisters emerged. The older sister represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is identified with its capital city, Samaria. Although Samaria was built later in history by King Omri, the entire kingdom is associated with its name because it served as its definitive center of power [רש״י, רד״ק]. The younger sister represents the Southern Kingdom of Judah, forever linked to its capital of Jerusalem, the city where God's Temple remained [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].