Ezekiel 16 is a scathing indictment of Jerusalem, personified as a faithless wife who has prostituted herself with foreign nations. Verse 56, "For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride," is a particularly biting part of that accusation. Let's break down the meaning:

"Your sister Sodom": In this context, "Sodom" isn't just a literal city, but represents wickedness and moral depravity. Sodom is infamous for its sinfulness, and in this passage, it serves as a standard of judgment. "Your sister" implies that Jerusalem shares a familial (metaphorical) connection to Sodom through shared practices of sin.

"Was not mentioned by your mouth": This means Jerusalem was too proud to even acknowledge Sodom's sinfulness. Jerusalem saw itself as righteous and above such debauchery.

"In the day of your pride": "Day of your pride" refers to a time when Jerusalem felt secure, prosperous, and self-righteous. In its arrogance, Jerusalem looked down on others, including Sodom.

The Overall Meaning

The verse highlights Jerusalem's hypocrisy and self-deception. During periods of prosperity and pride, Jerusalem considered itself far superior to Sodom and was quick to condemn others. However, the accusation here is that Jerusalem, in its own way, became just as (or even more) wicked than Sodom.

The point is not that Sodom was righteous. Rather, the point is that Jerusalem's pride blinded it to its own growing depravity. Jerusalem was so caught up in its self-righteousness that it failed to recognize its own descent into sin. By refusing to acknowledge Sodom's wickedness, Jerusalem actually demonstrated its own moral arrogance and ultimately surpassed Sodom in its sinfulness.

In essence, the verse serves as a powerful warning against self-righteousness and the dangers of moral complacency.