This was the iniquity of Sodom, etc... That is, these were the steps by which the Sodomites came to fall into those abominations for which they were destroyed. For pride, gluttony, and idleness are the highroad to all kinds of lust; especially when they are accompanied with a neglect of the works of mercy. 16:50. And they were lifted up, and committed abominations before me: and I took them away as thou hast seen. 16:51. And Samaria committed not half thy sins: but thou hast surpassed them with thy crimes, and hast justified thy sisters by all thy abominations which thou hast done. 16:52. Therefore do thou also bear thy confusion, thou that hast surpassed thy sisters with thy sins, doing more wickedly than they: for they are justified above thee, therefore be thou also confounded, and bear thy shame, thou that hast justified thy sisters. 16:53. And I will bring back and restore them by bringing back Sodom, with her daughters, and by bringing back Samaria, and her daughters: and I will bring those that return of thee in the midst of them. I will bring back, etc... This relates to the conversion of the Gentiles out of all nations, and of many of the Jews, to the church of Christ. 16:54. That thou mayest bear thy shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, comforting them. 16:55. And thy sister Sodom and her daughters shall return to their ancient state: and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their ancient state: and thou and thy daughters shall return to your ancient state. Ancient state... That is, to their former state of liberty, and their ancient possessions. In the spiritual sense, to the true liberty, and the happy inheritance of the children of God, through faith in Christ. 16:56. And Sodom thy sister was not heard of in thy mouth, in the day of thy pride, 16:57. Before thy malice was laid open: as it is at this time, making thee a reproach of the daughters of Syria, and of all the daughters of Palestine round about thee, that encompass thee on all sides. 16:58. Thou hast borne thy wickedness, and thy disgrace, saith the Lord God. 16:59. For thus saith the Lord God: I will deal with thee, as thou hast despised the oath, in breaking the covenant: 16:60. And I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth: and I will establish with thee an everlasting covenant. 16:61. And thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed: when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thy elder and thy younger: and I will give them to thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. 16:62. And I will establish my covenant with thee: and thou shalt know that I am the Lord, 16:63. That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and mayest no more open thy mouth because of thy confusion, when I shall be pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God. Ezechiel Chapter 17 The parable of the two eagles and the vine. A promise of the cedar of Christ and his church.