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.

Picture Jeremiah assessing the inhabitants of ancient Jerusalem. He's got quite the metaphor in store—he attributes a maternal legacy to the city, pointing to a Hittite mother in Ezekiel 16:3! Now, why a Hittite? Well, it signals something deeper: Jerusalem's upbringing was not just Hebrew but also tangled with influences from neighboring nations, many of which were not known for their devotion to Yahweh.

Let’s go on a journey! The Hittites were actually known for their formidable empire that stretched across modern-day Turkey and into parts of Syria. Maybe these roots illustrate a mixed lineage in Jerusalem, drawing from a well diverse range of traditions and cultures—baking into Israelite identity something that couldn't easily be shaken off. These prophetic declarations serve as a spiritual wake-up call!

Ezekiel isn't simply outlining a genealogy; he paints a picture about the life in Jerusalem. A life heavily shaded by idolatry and corrupt practices likened to their mother. It warns the people about the dangers of adopting foreign ways, a theme echoed almost poetically throughout prophetic writings: think of Israel being called out for idolatry like a wandering sheep gone astray, often inviting Divine consequences as a method for realignment.

So next time you ponder Jerusalem, consider who truly nurtured it—press on themes of heritage, choices, and calling—an odyssey of self-discovery waiting to unfold even today!