Jeremiah 49:35

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 49:35

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I will break the bow of Elam ,.... The inhabitants of this country were famous for their skill in archery; See Gill on Isaiah 22:6 ; this the Lord threatens to break, so that it, should be useless, and of no more service to them to defend themselves, or annoy others. Their strength, as the Targum; that in which their great strength and security lay; in which they put their trust and confidence, as follows: the chief of their might ; which may be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:35

I will break the bow of Elam - They were eminent archers; and had acquired their power and eminence by their dexterity in the use of the bow. See Isaiah 22:6 . Strabo, Livy, and others speak of their eminence in archery. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:35

Verse 35 Then God, in the first place, declares that he would break the bow of Elam The Parthians and other Orientals, we know, were very skillful archers; for every nation possesses its own peculiar excellency in connection with war. Some excel in the use of one kind of weapons, and others in the use of another kind. Formerly light infantry were in high repute among the Italians; the Gauls excelled in mailed horsemen. Though, now, all things are changed, yet still every nation differs as to... 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 49:35

The bow of Elam. So Isaiah in prophetic vision, "And Elam bare the quiver" ( Isaiah 22:6 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Jeremiah 49:35

The bow was the national weapon of Elam, and therefore the “chief of their might,” that on which their strength in war depended. 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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