Ezekiel Chapter 25 · Verse 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, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim,
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵן֩
H3651
לָכֵן֩
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
פֹתֵ֜חַ
Therefore behold I will open
H6605
פֹתֵ֜חַ
Therefore behold I will open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 16
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֶּ֤תֶף
the side
H3802
כֶּ֤תֶף
the side
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
5 of 16
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 anythi
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 16
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מֵֽעָרָ֖יו
from his cities
H5892
מֵֽעָרָ֖יו
from his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מֵֽעָרָ֖יו
from his cities
H5892
מֵֽעָרָ֖יו
from his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַיְשִׁימֹ֔ת
Bethjeshimoth
H1020
הַיְשִׁימֹ֔ת
Bethjeshimoth
Strong's:
H1020
Word #:
13 of 16
beth-ha-jeshimoth, a town east of the jordan
Historical Context
These cities guarded Moab's border against northern invasion. Beth-jeshimoth overlooked the Jordan Valley, Baal-meon and Kiriathaim controlled plateau approaches. Their fall would expose Moab's heartland.
Questions for Reflection
- What false securities or defenses do you trust in apart from God's protection?
- How does this passage reveal the futility of human strength when opposed to divine purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
God promises to 'open the side' (expose the flank/border) of Moab by removing their fortified cities. The three cities mentioned—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, Kiriathaim—were Moab's northern defensive line. Removing these strongholds would leave Moab vulnerable to invasion, demonstrating that human defenses fail when God determines judgment.