King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 25:9 Mean?

Ezekiel 25:9 in the King James Version says “Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory o...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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, side: Heb. shoulder of Moab”

Ezekiel 25:9 · KJV

Context

7

Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. a spoil: or, meat

8

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen;

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, side: Heb. shoulder of Moab

10

Unto the men of the east with the Ammonites , and will give them in possession, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations. with: or, against the children of Ammon

11

And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Read Ezekiel 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false securities or defenses do you trust in apart from God's protection?
  2. How does this passage reveal the futility of human strength when opposed to divine purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לָכֵן֩1 of 16
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִנְנִ֨י2 of 16
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

פֹתֵ֜חַ3 of 16

“Therefore behold I will open”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

אֶת4 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כֶּ֤תֶף5 of 16

“the side”

H3802

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

מוֹאָב֙6 of 16

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

מֵֽעָרָ֖יו7 of 16

“from his cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מֵֽעָרָ֖יו8 of 16

“from his cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִקָּצֵ֑הוּ9 of 16

“which are on his frontiers”

H7097

an extremity

צְבִ֗י10 of 16

“the glory”

H6643

a gazelle (as beautiful)

אֶ֚רֶץ11 of 16

“of the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בֵּ֣ית12 of 16
H0
הַיְשִׁימֹ֔ת13 of 16

“Bethjeshimoth”

H1020

beth-ha-jeshimoth, a town east of the jordan

בַּ֥עַל14 of 16
H0
מְע֖וֹן15 of 16

“Baalmeon”

H1186

baal-meon, a place east of the jordan

וְקִרְיָתָֽמָה׃16 of 16

“and Kiriathaim”

H7156

kirjathaim, the name of two placed in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 25:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 25:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:17Jeremiah 48:23Numbers 32:37-38Joshua 13:19-20Numbers 33:49Numbers 32:3

Places in This Verse

Baal-meonSettlement · Modern: Ma‘in · 31.68°N, 35.74°E4 verses across 4 books
Beth-jeshimothSettlement · Modern: Tell Azeimeh · 31.78°N, 35.62°E4 verses across 3 books
Kiriathaim 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet al Mukhayyat · 31.75°N, 35.74°E5 verses across 4 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Ezekiel 25 →

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