יחזקאל, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ז׳

Political alliances and reliance on foreign empires often carry a hidden cost, inevitably leading to deep spiritual and religious corruption. The Kingdom of Samaria is depicted as a woman who develops an intense, obsessive attraction to the Assyrian empire. Driven by betrayal and lust, she directed her desires toward the elite men of Assyria. Historically, this subjugation occurred during the reign of King Hoshea son of Elah, when the kingdom willingly submitted to Assyrian control [מלבי״ם]. This political surrender and the misplaced trust in Assyrian protection [ביאור שטיינזלץ] were born out of a deep illusion. Samaria was blinded by the massive success and prosperity of the empire, which sparked a powerful urge to imitate them and become just like them [מצודת דוד].

This political and physical attraction directly translated into spiritual decay. As the kingdom formed tight bonds with these foreign powers and lusted after their way of life, the people naturally learned their customs and fully adopted their idolatrous practices. The foreign gods they embraced are understood to be repulsive abominations, considered as disgusting and offensive as animal waste [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, these political ties and the deep passion for Assyrian culture caused the nation to turn away from God entirely, leading them to actively serve foreign idols.