The answer is: A Hittite

Ezekiel 16:3 - The idea that the Israelites proved by their doings that they were to be like the children of the idolatrous nations of the land.

Ezekiel’s imagery of a Hittite mother for Jerusalem is quite the poetic device! In this context, hailing from a group often viewed as outsiders or emblematic of foreign influence, it suggests that Jerusalem's roots were not solely suffused with purity and righteousness. Instead, the mother of the city represents a mix of origins—embracing both Israel's noble heritage and the influences of surrounding nations.

Interestingly, the Hittites had significant interactions with the Israelites throughout history. Remember that the Old Testament hints at Hittite leaders and descriptions of their lands? These interactions show the reality of ancient societies being interconnected. It gives a fascinating spotlight on the diverse cultural impacts on early Israelite identity—points of life, religion, and worship mingling together.

Ezekiel did not shy away from using vivid allegory; he frequently likens Israel to an unfaithful lover, arguing that rather than sticking to covenant fidelity, the Israelites looked to charmed lives elsewhere. This depth of imagery reminds readers today that we often mix our cultural influences, sometimes to our benefit and other times leading us astray.

This message resonates well beyond ancient landscapes, nudging us to ponder the essence of our identities fashioned from a tapestry of histories—embracing the good while discerning from the bad! In honoring our roots, may we aspire to create a Jerusalem of our own, rooted in ideals that enrich and elevate!