Ezekiel 25:9

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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 -

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 25:9 pronounces God's severe judgment upon Moab, declaring that He will dismantle their defenses and expose their most strategic and glorious cities. This divine act signifies the complete vulnerability and impending downfall of a nation that gloated over Judah's destruction and showed contempt for God's covenant people. The verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, ensuring that those who oppose His purposes or rejoice in the suffering of His chosen will face inevitable retribution, leading to the desolation of their perceived strengths and symbols of pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 25 initiates a pivotal section of the book (chapters 25-32) comprising oracles against foreign nations. Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall in [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall"), these prophecies serve to underscore God's universal sovereignty and to assure the exiled Israelites that their God remains in control, judging not only His own people for their sin but also the surrounding nations for their wickedness and opposition to His divine plan. Specifically, [Ezekiel 25:8-11](/ezekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Prophecy Against Moab") targets Moab, immediately preceding judgments against Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. This structured series of prophecies reinforces the idea that no nation, however powerful or geographically distant, is beyond the scope of God's righteous judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a nation situated to the east of the Dead Sea, historically related to Israel through Lot (as seen in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Throughout their history, Moab and Israel had a contentious relationship, marked by periods of conflict, alliance, and cultural exchange. Moab often worshipped Chemosh (as mentioned in [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, God of Moab")), a deity whose practices sometimes involved child sacrifice. The specific offense cited for this judgment was Moab's malicious rejoicing and contempt for Judah during the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, viewing Judah's calamity as an opportunity for their own gain or simply as evidence that Judah's God was no different from any other national deity. Their gloating demonstrated a profound disrespect for God's covenant with Israel and His unique relationship with His people. The cities mentioned—Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim—were significant urban centers, particularly in the northern and central parts of Moab, representing its strength, population, and agricultural or strategic importance. Bethjeshimoth and Baalmeon were associated with the Transjordanian plain, often contested territories, and Kiriathaim was a major city of the Moabite kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This prophecy against Moab contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment for Malice and Contempt**. God holds nations accountable not only for their actions but also for their attitudes, particularly their "schadenfreude" or malicious joy over the suffering of others, especially His covenant people. Secondly, it reinforces God's **Universal Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations and their rulers. No earthly power can escape His righteous decree. Thirdly, the prophecy highlights the **Vulnerability of Earthly Strengths**. The mention of "the glory of the country" and specific fortified cities underscores that what Moab considered its source of pride, security, and wealth would become the very targets of its destruction. This theme is echoed in other prophecies, such as [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the Lord Against Human Pride") which speaks against human pride and lofty structures, or [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in the Lord"). Ultimately, it teaches that true security and lasting glory are found only in God, not in human achievements or fortifications.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** From H6605, a primitive root meaning "to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve." In this context, "open" signifies a violent breach or dismantling of defenses. It's not merely an invitation but an active, forceful act of exposing and rendering vulnerable what was once protected. This implies a divine surgical strike, unsealing Moab's perceived impregnability.
* **side (Hebrew, _kâthêph'_):** From H3802, meaning "the shoulder (proper, i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anything." Here, "side" refers to the flank or strategic border of Moab, suggesting a point of vulnerability or a defensive line. To "open the side" means to expose the nation's unprotected flank, making it susceptible to invasion and destruction. It's a metaphor for stripping away its protective barriers.
* **glory (Hebrew, _tsᵉbîy'_):** From H6643, meaning "splendor (as conspicuous); also a gazelle (as beautiful); beautiful(-ty), glorious(-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck)." This word denotes the splendor, beauty, or pride of the country. It refers to what Moab considered its most valuable and impressive assets—its fertile lands, its strong cities, its national prestige. God's judgment targets not just the physical infrastructure but also the very symbols of Moab's national pride and perceived strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities,"**: This clause introduces the divine judgment as a direct consequence ("Therefore") of Moab's actions. "Behold" emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of what is to come. The core action is God's intent to "open the side of Moab," a powerful metaphor for breaching their defenses and exposing their vulnerability. This opening is specifically "from the cities," indicating that the assault will originate from or target the urban centers which were supposed to be their strongholds.
* **"from his cities [which are] on his frontiers,"**: This further specifies the nature of the attack, highlighting that the judgment will begin at the very borders and strategic entry points of Moab. The "frontiers" (qâtseh) represent the edges, borders, or extremities, which are typically fortified. By opening these frontier cities, God signals a complete collapse of Moab's defensive perimeter, allowing for unhindered penetration into the heartland.
* **"the glory of the country,"**: This phrase identifies what is being targeted and destroyed: the very essence of Moab's pride, wealth, and perceived strength. "The glory" (tsᵉbîy) encompasses its fertile lands, its prosperous settlements, and its national prestige. This indicates that God's judgment is comprehensive, aiming to strip Moab of everything it valued and boasted in.
* **"Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,"**: These are specific, prominent cities within Moab. Bethjeshimoth (House of the Deserts), Baalmeon (Baal of Habitation), and Kiriathaim (Double City) were significant urban and strategic centers, some with religious connotations (Baalmeon). Naming them individually underscores the concrete and devastating nature of the judgment, showing that no stronghold, however renowned or sacred, will escape God's wrath. Their fall symbolizes the complete desolation of the Moabite kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 25:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "I will open the side of Moab." This vivid image of breaching a nation's "side" (kâthêph, shoulder/flank) powerfully conveys a strategic and devastating vulnerability, akin to exposing a warrior's unprotected flank in battle. It signifies not just a defeat, but a complete dismantling of defenses and an invasion of the nation's core. The mention of "the glory of the country" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the glory) represents the whole (the nation's pride, prosperity, and strength). It also carries an element of **Irony**, as what was once Moab's "glory" will become the very instrument or evidence of its downfall. The **Enumeration** of specific cities—Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim—serves to lend concrete detail and historical specificity to the prophecy, making the impending destruction tangible and undeniable. This naming also functions as **Symbolism**, where these key cities represent the entirety of Moab's urban and strategic power, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 25:9 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations. It underscores that God holds everyone, not just His covenant people, accountable for their actions and attitudes, especially those marked by malice, contempt, or gloating over the misfortunes of others. Moab's judgment for its "schadenfreude" against Judah highlights a divine principle: God defends His people and will not tolerate those who mock His divine plan or rejoice in the suffering of the righteous. This passage affirms that earthly strengths, pride, and fortifications are ultimately futile against the decree of the Almighty, teaching humility and a proper fear of God.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")
* [Proverbs 24:17-18](/proverbs/24-17 "Proverbs 24:17-18 - Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls")
* [Obadiah 1:12](/obadiah/1-12 "Obadiah 1:12 - Do Not Gloat Over Your Brother's Misfortune")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 25:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes, particularly concerning the struggles or downfalls of others, even those we might consider adversaries. The Moabites' sin was not merely their opposition, but their malicious joy and contempt. This warns us against the temptation to gloat, gossip, or find satisfaction in the misfortunes of others, reminding us that such attitudes are an affront to God's character, who calls us to compassion and love, even for our enemies. Furthermore, the verse underscores the ephemeral nature of earthly security and pride. Just as Moab's "glory" and fortified cities could not withstand divine judgment, so too are our own perceived strengths—wealth, status, power, or even physical defenses—vulnerable apart from God. True security and lasting glory are found only in aligning our lives with God's will and placing our trust in His eternal kingdom, not in the fleeting achievements of this world. It calls us to cultivate humility, to mourn with those who mourn, and to recognize that God's justice will ultimately prevail over all forms of malice and pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Moab, be tempted to rejoice in the struggles or downfalls of others, even subtly?**
* **What "glory of the country" or personal strengths do I tend to rely on more than God for security and identity?**
* **How does God's judgment against Moab for its contempt inform my understanding of His character and His expectations for my attitudes towards others?**

### FAQ

**What was Moab's specific sin that led to this judgment?**

Answer: Moab's primary sin, as indicated in [Ezekiel 25:8](/ezekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8 - Moab's Sin of Contempt"), was their 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 and gloated over their misfortune, thereby disrespecting God's unique covenant with His people and His divine plan. This "schadenfreude" demonstrated a lack of compassion and a defiance of God's sovereignty.

**Were Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim truly significant cities for Moab?**

Answer: Yes, these cities were indeed strategically and symbolically significant for Moab. Bethjeshimoth was located in the fertile plains near the Dead Sea, often associated with the northern frontier. Baalmeon, also in the Transjordan region, was an ancient city with possible religious significance (its name incorporates "Baal"). Kiriathaim was another major city, sometimes identified as a double city, indicating its size or importance. Their mention highlights that God's judgment would target the very heart of Moab's strength, prosperity, and national pride, dismantling its perceived security from its most prominent points, as described in [Ezekiel 25:9](/ezekiel/25-9 "Ezekiel 25:9 - The Cities of Moab").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 25:9, while a prophecy of judgment against Moab, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The "opening of the side" of Moab, signifying the dismantling of earthly defenses and the exposure of vulnerability, foreshadows the ultimate vulnerability and "opening" of the side of Christ on the cross (as described in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - Piercing of Jesus' Side")), not in judgment but in substitutionary sacrifice. Through His death, Christ conquered all earthly powers and principalities that stand in opposition to God, including the spiritual forces that fuel human malice and pride, which were the very sins of Moab. The "glory of the country" that was brought to ruin in Moab points to the transient nature of all human glory and power when compared to the enduring glory of God revealed in Christ. Unlike the earthly cities that fall, the New Jerusalem, the city of God, is an eternal city whose foundations are secure in Christ ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Furthermore, Moab's judgment for its contempt of God's people highlights Christ as the ultimate defender and vindicator of His church. Those who persecute or gloat over God's people ultimately contend with Christ Himself ([Acts 9:4-5](/acts/9-4 "Acts 9:4-5 - Saul's Encounter with Christ")). In Christ, the judgment against sin and pride is fully executed, and a pathway for reconciliation and true security is offered to all nations, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.