THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The Jewish people, amidst their various myths, endless genealogical charts, and their own invented stories, also harbor the belief that upon the arrival of their Messiah—whom we recognize as the Antichrist—there will be a restoration of a kingdom reminiscent of Sodom to its prior glory. They envision it transforming into a paradise akin to the Garden of Eden and the lands of Egypt, while Samaria will regain its former joy upon its return from Assyria to the territory of Israel. Historically, we understand from the accounts (1 Samuel 17 and 1 Samuel 18) that the ten tribes were taken captive by King Ful, Salmanassar, and Teglaffalassar of Assyria, and remain in bondage to this day.
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Moreover, at that time, Jerusalem will be rebuilt, along with its towns, villages, and fortifications, which will flourish as they once did. The holy city itself will be adorned with gold, silver, and precious gems, as prophesied by Isaiah, who proclaimed, "I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward, you shall be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City, the Zion of Truth" (Isaiah 1:26). Our Revelation states (Revelation 21) that David also declares, “Bless, O Lord, your favor upon Zion, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem” (Psalm 50:20), and in another psalm, “The descendants of the Jews will inherit it, and their offspring shall dwell there forever” (Psalm 68:36).
For us, understanding this fully and resting in the certainty that following the return of our Lord and Savior, there will be no degradation or earthly concerns, but rather the heavenly kingdoms promised first in the Gospel, we assert that everything regarding the Church has been fulfilled and continues to be realized. Sodom reverts to its original state when the soul, previously lost and ungodly, recognizes its Creator, returning to its rightful condition. Samaria thrives once again when it abandons the errors of heretics to embrace the teachings and faith of Christians. In this restoration, Jerusalem—symbolizing the Church as the vision of the world—returns to its divine purpose. As it is written, "His dwelling is established forever" (Psalm 75:2) and "Jerusalem, built like a city that is compact together" (Psalm 121:3). The Apostle reminds us that the heavenly Jerusalem, which is our mother (Galatians 4:25), calls us to "Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the company of angels" (Hebrews 12:22). Thus, it reunites with its scattered daughters. Further insights on this matter can be found in our interpretations of Isaiah.
The great city established by Cain, named for his son, signifies this world, which was constructed through the deceit of his brothers and the devil, who is the slayer of the brethren. This world is built upon vices, rooted in wickedness, and overflowing with unrighteousness; it is spiritually referred to as Sodom and Egypt. Concerning Sodom, it is stated that Sodom shall be restored to its former state (cf. Ezekiel 16:55), implying that the world will likewise be renewed to its original condition. It cannot reasonably be assumed that Sodom and other cities like Gomorrah, Adaman, and Seboim will be rebuilt; they are destined to remain in eternal ruin. The term Egypt is never associated with Jerusalem in the scriptures, but always refers to this worldly existence.
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While numerous examples could be gathered from various writings, one clear instance is found in the epistle of Jude, the brother of James, who declares: "But I want to remind you, although you already know this, that Jesus saved a people out of the land of Egypt, and later destroyed those who did not believe" (Jude 1:5). To clarify that this is not referring to Jesus, the son of Joshua, the text adds: "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day" (v. 6). Furthermore, to confirm that the mention of Egypt, Sodom, and Gomorrah represents not geographical locations but this world, the apostle provides an example: "In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion; they serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire" (v. 7).