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A Prophecy against Moab
Ezekiel 25:8–11 is a short prophecy against Moab. It names what Moab and Seir said about Judah, announces judgment on Moab’s land, and states what that judgment will make known.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this passage, the Lord Yahweh speaks about Moab because of a claim made by Moab and Seir concerning the house of Judah. The prophecy then names Moabite frontier cities, says the land will be opened to eastern peoples, and ends with the purpose of these judgments.
Ezekiel 25:8–11Main takeaway
This passage teaches that the Lord answers Moab’s words about Judah with judgment that reveals he is Yahweh.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The reason for the prophecyThe passage begins with the Lord’s reason for speaking. Moab and Seir say, “Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations”.
Explanation
The passage begins with the Lord’s reason for speaking. Moab and Seir say, “Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations”. Their statement about Judah is placed first, so the rest of the prophecy reads as the Lord’s answer to those words.
02Moab’s frontier will be openedThe Lord says he will “open the side of Moab from the cities”. The focus is on Moab’s frontier area.
Explanation
The Lord says he will “open the side of Moab from the cities”. The focus is on Moab’s frontier area. The text calls these places “the glory of the country” and names Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim as part of what is included.
03Given over to eastern peoplesMoab will be opened “to the children of the east”. The verse also mentions action involving Ammon and says Ammon will be given for a possession, so that it may not be remembered among the nations.
Explanation
Moab will be opened “to the children of the east”. The verse also mentions action involving Ammon and says Ammon will be given for a possession, so that it may not be remembered among the nations. The wording presents the Lord’s declared judgment on these lands.
04The stated outcomeThe prophecy closes with a direct declaration from the Lord: “I will execute judgments on Moab.”
Explanation
The prophecy closes with a direct declaration from the Lord: “I will execute judgments on Moab.” The verse itself joins the action and the result. After these judgments, “they will know that I am Yahweh.” In this passage, the judgment is not unexplained. It leads to recognition of Yahweh’s identity.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What claim do Moab and Seir make about the house of Judah?
Read the quotation in Ezekiel 25:8 and answer with the words the verse gives.
02Which places are named as part of Moab’s frontier, and how are they described?
Look in Ezekiel 25:9 for both the city names and the phrase used for the country.
03What does the Lord say people will know after he executes judgments on Moab?
The closing line of Ezekiel 25:11 gives the result directly.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 25:8–11
8“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations,’
9therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on its frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim,
10to the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations.
11I will execute judgments on Moab. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”