Jeremiah 49:34

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} against Elam {H5867} in the beginning {H7225} of the reign {H4438} of Zedekiah {H6667} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the word of ADONAI that came to Yirmeyahu the prophet concerning 'Eilam at the beginning of the reign of Tzidkiyahu king of Y'hudah:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah.

American Standard Version

The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:34 serves as the precise historical and theological introduction to a divine oracle delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, specifically targeting the ancient kingdom of Elam. This verse establishes the authoritative source of the message as the LORD Himself, identifies Jeremiah as His chosen messenger, names the foreign nation against whom the prophecy is directed, and provides a crucial chronological marker—the beginning of King Zedekiah's reign in Judah—thereby grounding the prophetic word firmly in the geopolitical realities of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:34 introduces a distinct prophetic oracle against Elam, positioned within a larger collection of "oracles against the nations" found in [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah's Oracles Against the Nations"). These chapters demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, judging not only Judah and Israel but also surrounding nations like Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and finally, Babylon. The prophecy against Elam is notably concise compared to others, yet it carries significant weight, signaling God's comprehensive reach. It follows prophecies against Ammon and Edom and precedes the extensive judgment against Babylon, highlighting a deliberate divine focus on nations that interacted with or impacted Judah. The specific mention of Elam's military prowess, particularly their archers, in subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 49:35](/jeremiah/49-35 "Jeremiah 49:35 - Elam's Bow Broken")) underscores the severity of the coming judgment against a formidable power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elam was a powerful, ancient civilization located east of Mesopotamia, primarily in what is now southwestern Iran, with its capital often at Susa. Known for its distinct language, culture, and formidable military, especially its skilled archers, Elam had a long and often contentious history with its Mesopotamian neighbors, including Assyria and Babylon. By the "beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah" (circa 597 BCE), the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar was the dominant power in the Ancient Near East. Zedekiah's ascension followed the first Babylonian deportation of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin ([2 Kings 24:15](/2_kings/24-15 "2 Kings 24:15 - Jehoiachin's Captivity")), marking a period of intense geopolitical instability and Babylonian expansion. The prophecy against Elam, therefore, places God's judgment within this broader context of Babylonian ascendancy, suggesting that Babylon would be an instrument of divine wrath against Elam, just as it was against Judah and other nations.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully reiterates the **Divine Authority of Prophecy**, emphasizing that the message originates directly from "the word of the LORD," not human opinion. This underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His communication through chosen vessels like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 1:4-10](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4-10 - Jeremiah's Call")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that His dominion extends far beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and kingdoms, even those seemingly distant or powerful like Elam ([Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket")). This theme reinforces that no nation is exempt from divine judgment or beyond God's overarching plan. Lastly, the specific dating to "the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah" emphasizes the **Historical Precision and Reliability of Biblical Prophecy**, rooting God's word in specific, verifiable historical moments and demonstrating its relevance to contemporary political realities. This contrasts with vague or timeless pronouncements, affirming the Bible's historical veracity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, "the word of the LORD" signifies a divine utterance, a decree, or a message that carries the full authority and power of God. It is not merely information but a potent, active force that initiates events and brings about God's purposes. This phrase is a foundational declaration of prophetic authority.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, YHWH, revealing His eternal, unchanging nature and His active presence in history. The use of this name emphasizes that the prophecy against Elam is not a random event but part of the sovereign plan of the God who is faithful to His covenant and just in His judgments, even over foreign nations.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, meaning "a prophet or (generally) inspired man." Jeremiah is identified as God's chosen spokesperson, one who receives and delivers divine revelation. The role of the prophet is to speak on behalf of God, often delivering messages of judgment or salvation, thereby acting as a mediator of God's will to humanity and nations.
* **Elam (Hebrew, _ʻÊylâm'_):** From H5867, probably meaning "hidden, i.e. distant." This identifies the specific target of the prophecy. Elam represents a distinct geopolitical entity, a powerful kingdom to the east of Babylon. Its inclusion in the oracles against the nations underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and judgment, extending even to distant and formidable powers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion or political analysis, but a direct revelation from YHWH, the sovereign God. Jeremiah is merely the conduit, ensuring the message's infallible truth and power. This formula is common in prophetic literature, underscoring the divine inspiration of the text.
* **"against Elam":** This specifies the target of the divine oracle. Elam, a significant ancient kingdom, is singled out for judgment. This demonstrates God's active involvement in the affairs of all nations, not just Israel, and His judicial oversight of the entire world. The specificity indicates a deliberate divine intention regarding this particular foreign power.
* **"in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,":** This provides a precise historical timestamp for the prophecy. Zedekiah's reign began around 597 BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval marked by Babylonian dominance and Judah's precarious vassal status. This historical marker grounds the prophecy in real-world events, indicating that God's word is delivered within specific historical contexts and is relevant to the contemporary political landscape. The final "saying" introduces the content of the oracle to follow.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:34 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the prophetic introductory formula, "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet." This phrase is a standard and powerful declaration of divine authority and inspiration, immediately signaling to the reader that what follows is not human wisdom but a direct message from God. This device imbues the subsequent prophecy with undeniable weight and truth. Another device is **Historical Marker**, seen in "in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah." This precise chronological detail grounds the prophecy in a specific historical context, enhancing its verisimilitude and demonstrating that God's actions and words are interwoven with real-world events. This also highlights the **Specificity** of God's judgment, as it is directed at a particular nation (Elam) at a particular time, rather than being a vague, general pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:34 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's universal sovereignty and the nature of divine revelation. It asserts that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the LORD over all nations, capable of delivering prophetic decrees against distant and powerful kingdoms like Elam. This demonstrates that all human history, including the rise and fall of empires, unfolds under His ultimate control and according to His divine purposes. The verse underscores the absolute authority of God's word, which is not bound by geographical or political boundaries, and highlights the crucial role of the prophet as God's chosen messenger, through whom His will is revealed and His judgments are pronounced.

* [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Amos 1:3-2:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-2:3 - Oracles Against the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:34, though a historical introduction to an ancient prophecy, offers profound contemporary relevance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, orchestrating events and holding nations accountable. In a world often characterized by political instability, global conflicts, and the rise and fall of powers, this verse provides a comforting and challenging truth: there is a sovereign God who reigns supreme. This perspective encourages us to look beyond immediate headlines and human machinations to discern God's hand at work, trusting that His purposes will ultimately prevail. It calls us to prayer for our leaders and nations, recognizing that their authority is ultimately derived from Him, and to live with a confident hope that God's word, delivered through His chosen messengers, is always true and effective, whether in judgment or salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet" shape your understanding of the authority and reliability of Scripture?**
* **What comfort or challenge does it bring to know that God exercises sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly distant or powerful, like ancient Elam?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, pray for our nations and leaders in light of God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific date "in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah" important for this prophecy?**

Answer: The specific dating to "in the beginning of the reign of [Zedekiah king of Judah](/jeremiah/49-34 "Jeremiah 49:34 - Zedekiah's Reign")" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the prophecy in a precise historical context, demonstrating that biblical prophecies are not vague or timeless pronouncements but are intricately tied to real-world events and political realities. Zedekiah's reign (c. 597-586 BCE) was a period of intense geopolitical upheaval, with Babylon asserting its dominance over the Ancient Near East. Secondly, it helps scholars and readers understand the geopolitical landscape at the time, indicating that the prophecy against Elam was delivered during a period when Judah itself was under Babylonian control, highlighting the broader scope of God's judgment over all nations, not just His covenant people. This specific timestamp underscores the historical veracity and divine intentionality behind the prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:34 directly concerns an ancient prophecy against Elam, its underlying theological principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The verse emphasizes "the word of the LORD" coming through "the prophet" to declare God's sovereign rule over nations. In Christ, we see the ultimate "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme revelation of God's character and will. Jesus is also the "Prophet like Moses" ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), through whom God speaks His final and complete message to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, the sovereignty of God over all nations, so powerfully asserted in this verse, culminates in Christ's universal kingship. He is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/phil/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Thus, the divine word, the prophetic messenger, and the universal scope of God's dominion, all introduced in Jeremiah 49:34, are perfectly embodied and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the sovereign King who orchestrates all history for His glory and the redemption of His people from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;

Jeremiah 25:25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Daniel 8:2

And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Acts 2:9

Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Ezra 4:9

Then [wrote] Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, [and] the Elamites,