Jeremiah 49:35

35 Thus says the LORD of Hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of `Elam, the chief 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 Hatzor shall be a dwelling-place of jackals, a desolation forever: no man shall dwell there, neither shall any son of man sojourn therein.

34 The word of the LORD that came to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning `Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Tzidkiyahu king of Yehudah, saying,

35 Thus says the LORD of Hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of `Elam, the chief of their might.

36 On `Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of the sky, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation where the outcasts of `Elam shall not come.

37 I will cause `Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before those who seek their life; and I will bring evil on them, even my fierce anger, says the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them;