יחזקאל, פרק כ״ה, פסוק ט׳

The security of a nation often relies on a strong border, a line of fortresses meant to deter any invader. For Moab, this fortified defense line is about to suffer a dramatic collapse. God declares that He will shatter the very edge of Moab's territory. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the extreme border or flank of the land [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק], with some noting that it represents a prominent geographic feature, much like a protruding mountainside [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The invasion will not emerge from the desolate, empty desert. Instead, the enemy forces will strike directly at the populated edge of the country [מלבי״ם]. This frontier is home to Moab's most powerful fortress cities, positioned specifically to repel attacks. The nation placed its complete trust in these strongholds, believing they would keep the rest of the country safe. However, once these border defenses are broken, the enemy will gain unrestricted access to sweep through the entire land [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

These frontier cities are not merely functional military outposts; they are considered the ultimate pride, beauty, and glory of Moab [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The specific strongholds marked for destruction include Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim [רד״ק, מנחת שי].

Beyond the immediate ruin of Moab, this breach serves a broader strategic purpose. By tearing open the defensive gates of Moab, a clear path is created for their enemies from the East to march directly through the territory. This open corridor will allow the invading forces to continue their military campaign uninterrupted and launch a direct attack on the neighboring nation of Ammon [מלבי״ם].