In Ezekiel's prophecy, who is said to be the mother of Jerusalem?

In the poetic language of Ezekiel, we see a vivid personification of Jerusalem, describing it like a girl who starts as an abandoned child and grows into a majestic city. The mention of a Hittite as Jerusalem's mother shines a light on the complex social fabric of ancient Israel. While the Israelites often prided themselves on their separate identity, they were inevitably woven into a broader tapestry featuring foreign influences, especially from Canaanite, Hittite, and other surrounding cultures.

Interesting tidbit: The Hittites, once considered long gone from biblical history, actually were a significant empire in the ancient Near East. Scholars believe they returned to the biblical narrative as cautionary tales about the dangers of straying from one’s root beliefs. Ezekiel illustrates the Israelites' relationship to these cultures in both critique and reflection, imploring them to recognize how they've emulated the idolatry of the nations around them.

This scenario isn’t just ancient history; it resonates with us today as we look at our community and identity. In a world teeming with diverse influences, it's important to evaluate what aspects we adopt—much like the ancient Israelites had to confront. Our ‘mother’ can symbolize various origins, reminding us of the larger history shared among everyone. Instead of judgment, could Ezekiel's words invite engagement with the broader scope of humanity?