Jeremiah 49:35

35 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, The foremost of their might.

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 shall be a dwelling for jackals, a desolation forever; No one shall reside there, Nor son of man dwell in it."

34 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

35 "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, The foremost of their might.

36 Against Elam I will bring the four winds From the four quarters of heaven, And scatter them toward all those winds; There shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go.

37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies And before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, My fierce anger,' says the Lord; 'And I will send the sword after them Until I have consumed them.