Jeremiah 49:35

35 The LORD who rules over all said, "Elam's bow is the secret of its strength. But I will break it.

Jeremiah 49:35 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 49:35

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I will break the bow of Elam,
&c.] 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 interpreted, by way of apposition, of their bow, the chief instrument of their might and power; or may design their mighty men, the archers themselves, who should be destroyed, even Elam itself, and all the inhabitants of it; especially their warriors, who should be slain or carried captive.

Jeremiah 49:35 In-Context

33 "Hazor will become a home for wild dogs. It will be a dry and empty desert forever. No one will live in that land. No one will stay there even for a short time."

34 A message came to me from the Lord. It was about Elam. It came shortly after Zedekiah became king of Judah.

35 The LORD who rules over all said, "Elam's bow is the secret of its strength. But I will break it.

36 I will bring the four winds against Elam. I will bring them from all four directions. I will scatter Elam's people to the four winds. They will be taken away to every nation on earth.

37 I will use Elam's enemies to smash them. Those who are trying to take their lives will kill them. I will bring trouble on Elam's people. My anger will burn against them," announces the Lord. "I will chase them with swords. I will hunt them down until I have destroyed them.