Ezekiel 25:9

Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

Therefore, behold, I will open {H6605} the side {H3802} of Moab {H4124} from the cities {H5892}, from his cities {H5892} which are on his frontiers {H7097}, the glory {H6643} of the country {H776}, Bethjeshimoth {H1020}, Baalmeon {H1186}, and Kiriathaim {H7156},

I will expose the flank of Mo'av, with all its cities - that is, all the cities on its frontier, the glory of the land, Beit-Yeshimot, Ba'al-M'on and Kiryatayim -

therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land.

therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim,

Context of Ezekiel 25:9

Ezekiel 25 initiates a series of prophecies against foreign nations, serving as a powerful declaration of God's universal sovereignty. Specifically, verses 8-11 target Moab, a nation bordering Israel to the east. Moab's transgression, which incurred God's wrath, was its malicious rejoicing and contempt for Judah when Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed by Babylon. They saw Judah as no different from any other nation, thereby disrespecting God's covenant with His people. This verse, Ezekiel 25:9, details the specific nature of the impending judgment, focusing on the dismantling of Moab's defenses and the fall of its key cities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment for Malice: The primary theme is God's unwavering judgment against nations that gloat over the misfortunes of His people or show contempt for His divine plan. Moab's "schadenfreude" is met with severe consequences, demonstrating that God holds all nations accountable for their actions and attitudes.
  • Sovereignty Over All Nations: This prophecy underscores that God's authority extends beyond Israel to all nations. No kingdom, however fortified or proud, can escape His righteous judgment when they act in defiance or malice. This is a common theme in prophetic books, as seen in Isaiah's prophecies against Babylon or Jeremiah's against Egypt.
  • Vulnerability of Earthly Strengths: The mention of "the glory of the country" and specific frontier cities like Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim highlights that what Moab considered its strength, wealth, and pride would become its weakness and downfall. No human fortifications or national pride can withstand God's decree.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I will open the side of Moab" is a vivid and powerful metaphor. The Hebrew word for "side" (*ketef*) often refers to a shoulder or flank, suggesting a strategic point of vulnerability, like the exposed side of a defensive line. To "open" (*petach*) this side implies not just a breach of defenses, but a complete exposure and dismantling of their strength, making them utterly defenseless. It signifies God breaking through their strongholds, revealing their unprotected interior. The named cities were indeed prominent and symbolically represented the strength and, in the case of Baalmeon, even the religious significance of Moab.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezekiel 25:9 serves as a timeless reminder of God's justice and His ultimate control over human affairs. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God sees and judges all actions, including attitudes of malice and contempt towards others. It encourages compassion and humility, warning against rejoicing in the downfall of even one's adversaries, for such attitudes are condemned by God. Moreover, it underscores that true security lies not in physical fortifications, military might, or national pride, but in aligning with God's will and purpose. The fall of Moab's "glory" reminds us to place our trust in God's eternal kingdom, not in the temporary and vulnerable strengths of this world, as highlighted in Psalm 20:7.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 48:23

    And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

  • Joshua 13:17

    Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

  • Numbers 32:37

    And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

  • Numbers 32:38

    And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

  • Joshua 13:19

    And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

  • Joshua 13:20

    And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

  • Jeremiah 48:1

    ¶ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

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