'To return to his place' refers to returning to a previous state.

(Referenties: Arcana Coelestia 2288, Genesis 18:33)

1262. From this it now becomes clear that 'the earth' here also means the Church; for when the earth is mentioned, one's only perception is of the nation or people there, and when a nation or people is envisaged one's only perception is of their character. Consequently 'the earth' means nothing other than the Church, as shown already in 662, 1066.