יחזקאל, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ח׳

A deep-rooted betrayal often leaves a lasting mark that is incredibly difficult to erase. The rebellion against God took on a dual dimension, bridging both political alliances and religious practices. The primary approach among commentators is that the nation was simply unable to break free from its earliest Egyptian influences, even as new cultural ties and alliances were formed over time [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because Egypt initiated this illicit relationship at the very dawn of the nation's history, its grip remained powerful and present long into the future [אברבנאל].

This betrayal operated on two distinct levels. Politically, the Israelites repeatedly fell back on the support of Egyptian kings. A clear example of this occurred when Hoshea, son of Elah, formed a conspiracy against the king of Assyria by sending messengers to seek the backing of the Egyptian king [רש"י, מלבי"ם]. On a religious level, while the nation certainly adopted new forms of idol worship from Assyria, they never truly let go of the original idols and sorcery they had absorbed from Egypt [רד"ק, אברבנאל].

The intense sensual imagery of youth and early affection illustrates just how deeply this initial bond with Egypt was etched into the heart of the nation, creating a lasting lust and fondness from ancient times [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. This was not a passive relationship. The specific language used to describe their unfaithfulness indicates an active spreading of this behavior, pushing it outward onto others [מלבי"ם]. The Egyptians taught their ways, particularly their sorcery, in overwhelming abundance, pouring these practices over the Israelites like a massive, overflowing liquid [רד"ק].