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, 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.