Jeremiah 49:35-39

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:36

And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven ,.... The Targum interprets it the four kingdoms; see Daniel 7:2 . Some think this had its accomplishment in the times of Alexander; or else after his death, in the times of his four successors; but rather in the times of Nebuchadnezzar, who should bring with him, in his army, people that dwelt in the several parts of the world, comparable to the winds for their swiftness and strength; whose blast would be so great... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:37

For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies ,.... Frightened; thrown into the utmost consternation, so that they shall have no heart nor spirit to go out against them, and meet them, and defend themselves; but make all haste imaginable to flee from them, such a panic would seize them: and before them that seek their life ; a further description of their enemies; they being such, who, not content with their substance, sought to take away their lives; nothing less would... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Jeremiah 49:39

But it shall come to pass in the latter days ,.... Not in the times of Cyrus, when these people enjoyed their liberty, as the Jews and other nations did, freed by him from the Babylonian yoke; which cannot with propriety be called the latter days, being but seventy or eighty years at most after this prophecy; but in the times of the Messiah, often in prophecy called the latter days: that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the Lord : which was accomplished in a spiritual... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:36

Will I bring the four winds - Nebuchadnezzar and his armies, gathered out of different provinces, and attacking this people at all points in the same time. There shall be no nation, etc. - They shall be scattered through the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of which the Babylonish empire is composed. 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Jeremiah 49:39

I will bring again the captivity of Elam - As this is to be in the latter days, probably it may mean the spiritual freedom which these people would receive under the Gospel dispensation. Under Cyrus, the Elamites, collected out of all quarters, were united with the Persians, their neighbors, and became, with them, masters of the east. See Calmet and Dahler. There are still, however, difficulties on this subject. Who the Elamites were is still a question. That which appears to be nearest the... read more

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