Ezekiel 16:55
When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
This restoration promise was given to exiles who had witnessed Jerusalem's destruction approaching (final fulfillment in 586 BC). The promise seemed absurd—not only would rebellious Jerusalem be restored, but even Sodom and Samaria, long-destroyed cities, would return to former glory. Yet this hyperbolic language conveyed God's unstoppable restorative purposes. The historical return from exile (538 BC onwards) under Persian decree partially fulfilled this, but the ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return. Early church fathers saw this verse as prophesying inclusion of Gentiles (Sodom/Samaria representing pagan nations) alongside restored Israel in God's eschatological kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to restore even Sodom challenge your assumptions about who is "too far gone" for redemption?
- What does this restoration promise reveal about God's character—His mercy triumphing over judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate. This verse introduces an astonishing promise of future restoration even within a chapter dominated by judgment. The threefold repetition of qadmâ (קַדְמָה, "former estate") emphasizes complete restoration to original condition. The structure is conditional: "When" Sodom and Samaria are restored, "then" Jerusalem will be restored.
Scholars debate whether this promises literal restoration of destroyed Sodom or uses hyperbolic language to emphasize the certainty and comprehensiveness of Jerusalem's eventual restoration. The Hebrew allows both readings. What's clear is the theological point: God's covenant faithfulness will ultimately triumph over human unfaithfulness. Despite judgment, the chapter concludes with restoration promises (vv. 60-63). The "former estate" points beyond mere political restoration to eschatological renewal—the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21-22, where covenant unfaithfulness is forever ended through Christ's blood.