Jeremiah 49:38

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Jeremiah 49:34-39

This prophecy is dated in the beginning of Zedekiah's reign; it is probable that the other prophecies against the Gentiles, going before, were at the same time. The Elamites were the Persians, descended from Elam the son of Shem (Gen. 10:22); yet some think it was only that part of Persia which lay nearest to the Jews which was called Elymais, and adjoined to Media-Elam, which, say they, had acted against God's Israel, bore the quiver in an expedition against them (Isa. 22:6), and therefore... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:38

And I will set my throne in Elam ,.... Either when Alexander subdued it, or Cyrus, or rather Nebuchadnezzar, whose palace probably was, as it is certain his successors was, in Shushan in Elam, as before observed from Daniel 8:2 . This is called the Lord's throne, because he gave it to him; his conquest of Elam, and his dominion over it, were from him: and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the Lord ; so that there should be no more kings of Elam, and princes and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:38

I will set my throne in Elam - This is spoken either of Nebuchadnezzar or Cyrus. It is certain that Cyrus did render himself master of Elymais and Media, which are in the land of Elam. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:38

Verse 38 He confirms what I have just referred to as to their consumption; but he at the same time adds, that God would be in such a way the avenger as though his tribunal was erected in that land. He threatens that he would destroy the king and the princes; and this, as I have explained, was the consumption; for though some individuals would remain alive, yet the name of the people would not survive, the whole race as such would become extinct. But these words ought to be noticed — that God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:34-39

Concerning Elam. The title places this prophecy later than these in Je 48:1-49:33; viz. at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah. From this filet, and from the absence of any reference to Nebuchadnezzar as the instrument of Elam's humiliation, Ewald conjectures that the Elamites had been concerned in the events which led to the dethronement and captivity of Jehoiachin. Dr. Payne Smith is inclined to accept this hypothesis, remarking that the Elamites "appear perpetually as the allies of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:34-39

The fate of Elam. I. THE ELEMENTS OF DOOM . 1 . Loss of active strength. The breaking of the bow ought, perhaps, to be taken somewhat literally. Elam may have been a people where skill in archery reckoned for much of its strength. Whatever our peculiar natural strength may be, God can break it to pieces. We should never pride ourselves on what is peculiar to us, for the really best things are those which may become common to all men. 2 . The loss of all union. The two... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Jeremiah 49:38

I will set my throne ; i.e. my tribunal (as Jeremiah 43:10 ). The king and the princes; rather, king and princes . The threat is not merely that the reigning king shall be dethroned, but that Elam shall lose its native rulers altogether. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 49:38

Literally, king and princes. Elam will lose its independence, and henceforward have no native ruler with his attendant officers. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Jeremiah 49:35-38

Jeremiah 49:35-38. Behold, I will break the bow of Elam The Elamites were famous archers, as this expression intimates, as also Isaiah’s words, Isaiah 22:6; And Elam bare the quiver. Strabo also says, that the mountainous parts of Elymais bred chiefly archers; στρατιωτας τρεφει τοξοτας τους πλειστους , lib. 16. p. 744. Livy, and other heathen writers, also speak of the Elymæan archers. Upon Elam will I bring the four winds, &c. I will bring enemies upon Elam from every quarter; and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:34-39

A message concerning Elam (49:34-39)The message concerning the ancient kingdom of Elam came at the beginning of Zedekiah’s reign. At that time Zedekiah was trying to form an alliance with other nations west of Babylon, with the aim of resisting the spread of Babylon’s power (34; cf. 27:1-3,12).Jeremiah’s message here shows that Zedekiah was wasting his time. Babylon’s power will spread so widely that even countries to its east, such as Elam, will be overthrown (35-38). But Elam’s overthrow will... read more

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