Jeremiah 49:35

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Behold, I will break {H7665} the bow {H7198} of Elam {H5867}, the chief {H7225} of their might {H1369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: 'I will break 'Eilam's bow, the mainstay of their might.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:35 declares a definitive oracle of divine judgment against Elam, an ancient and formidable kingdom renowned for its military prowess, particularly its archers. Through the prophet, the LORD of hosts announces His intention to dismantle Elam's primary source of strength and confidence—its bow, symbolizing its military might and national power. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no earthly empire, however strong or self-assured, can withstand His ultimate will and judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:35 is situated within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 46-51) dedicated to oracles against foreign nations. This collection serves to demonstrate God's universal dominion, extending His authority and judgment beyond Israel to all peoples and empires. Specifically, chapter 49 focuses on judgments against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and finally, Elam. The prophecy against Elam, found in verses 34-39, is one of the last in this series, emphasizing God's comprehensive reach. The immediate verses leading up to 49:35 set the stage for Elam's impending destruction, detailing how God will bring four winds from the four quarters of heaven upon them, scattering them (Jeremiah 49:36). This verse, therefore, pinpoints the specific means by which their power will be broken, highlighting the core of their military might.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elam was an ancient civilization located to the east of Babylon, in what is now southwestern Iran. Its capital was Susa. Historically, Elam was a significant regional power, known for its formidable military, and particularly for its highly skilled archers. Elamites often served as mercenaries in other armies, and their archery was a key component of their national identity and military reputation. The "bow of Elam" was not merely a weapon but a symbol of their national strength, pride, and perceived invincibility. This prophecy likely dates to the early years of Zedekiah's reign (around 597-586 BCE), following the fall of Jerusalem in 597 BCE, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. God's judgment against such a renowned military power would have served as a stark reminder to Judah and surrounding nations that no earthly kingdom was beyond His sovereign control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphatically establishes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The opening declaration, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," immediately asserts God's ultimate authority over all creation, including the rise and fall of nations. This theme is pervasive throughout prophetic literature, underscoring that even the mightiest empires are but instruments or objects of God's divine plan, as seen in [Daniel's vision of kingdoms](/daniel/2-31 "Daniel 2:31-45 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of Empires"). Secondly, the prophecy highlights the **Breaking of Human Power and Pride**. By targeting Elam's "bow" and "might," God directly confronts the source of their confidence and perceived invincibility. This imagery of God breaking the instruments of war is a common biblical motif signifying complete defeat and the cessation of conflict, as echoed in [Psalm 46:9](/psalm/46-9 "Psalm 46:9 - God Makes Wars Cease"). It serves as a profound reminder that all human strength is temporary and ultimately subservient to God's eternal purposes, a truth often emphasized by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **break (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** H7665, a primitive root meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively); break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), crush, destroy, hurt, quench." This word conveys a sense of violent, decisive destruction. It is not merely to weaken, but to shatter, rendering something utterly useless. In this context, it signifies the complete dismantling of Elam's military capability and national power.
* **bow (Hebrew, _qesheth'_):** H7198, from the sense of bending; "a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris." The bow was the quintessential weapon of the Elamites, symbolizing their military prowess, skill, and national might. To "break the bow" is to incapacitate their primary military asset, thereby disarming them and stripping them of their ability to wage war or defend themselves. It is a powerful metonymy for the destruction of their entire military force.
* **might (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** H1369, feminine passive participle from the same as גִּבּוֹר; "force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength." This word refers to the inherent strength, power, and valor of Elam. The phrase "the chief of their might" emphasizes that the bow was not just *a* part of their strength, but the *preeminent* or *foremost* aspect of their power and confidence. God is striking at the very core of what made Elam formidable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening formula is a classic prophetic declaration, establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the following words are not Jeremiah's own opinion or political analysis, but the direct, unalterable decree of God Himself. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's role as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His unmatched power to execute His will against any earthly force.
* **"Behold, I will break the bow of Elam":** The interjection "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the impending, certain action. "I will break" indicates God as the active agent, directly intervening to dismantle Elam's power. The "bow of Elam" specifically targets their most renowned military asset and symbol of strength, signifying a complete and devastating military defeat. This is not a gradual decline but a decisive, God-ordained shattering.
* **"the chief of their might":** This phrase further clarifies the significance of breaking the bow. It was not merely one weapon among many, but the preeminent, most potent, and defining aspect of Elam's military and national strength. God's judgment targets the very heart of their power, ensuring a thorough and complete humbling of their pride and confidence.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:35 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "the bow of Elam" stands for the entire military force and national power of Elam. By breaking the bow, God is metaphorically breaking the nation's ability to wage war and its very source of confidence. This also functions as **Symbolism**, with the bow representing not just a weapon, but Elam's identity, prowess, and perceived invincibility. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" is a **Divine Fiat** or **Prophetic Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement. The use of "Behold" serves as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the audience's immediate attention to the gravity and certainty of the impending divine action. The overall tone is one of **Divine Judgment**, delivered with unwavering authority and precision, targeting the very core of Elam's strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:35 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores the theological truth that no nation, no matter how militarily formidable or self-assured, can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty. The humbling of Elam, a proud and powerful kingdom, serves as a timeless reminder that human strength, technological advancement, or military might are ultimately fleeting and subservient to the divine plan. This passage reinforces the biblical principle that God alone is the true sovereign, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His purposes, often to humble the proud and demonstrate His glory. It challenges any human tendency to place ultimate trust in earthly institutions or capabilities rather than in the Creator.

* [Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The LORD Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the LORD")
* [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:35 offers profound comfort and a sobering challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by geopolitical tensions, military build-ups, and the shifting sands of global power, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and hope do not rest in the strength of nations, economic stability, or human ingenuity. Instead, it directs our gaze to the "LORD of hosts," the One who holds all power and orchestrates all events. This truth encourages humility, reminding us that pride in human achievements or national might is ultimately futile. It calls us to place our unwavering trust in God's unfailing sovereignty, knowing that He is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, bringing justice and fulfilling His purposes. For those who feel overwhelmed by global events or the apparent strength of opposing forces, this passage offers peace: God is on His throne, and no power can ultimately thwart His will. Our call is to align our lives with His eternal purposes, seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust for security and stability in life? Is it in human systems or in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's absolute power over nations impact my perspective on current global events or political anxieties?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own "might" or perceived strengths, rather than surrendering to God's will?**
* **How can understanding God as the "LORD of hosts" deepen my worship and confidence in prayer?**

### FAQ
**Who was Elam and why was its bow significant?**

Answer: Elam was an ancient civilization located to the east of Babylon in what is now southwestern Iran. It was a significant regional power, historically renowned for its formidable military, and especially for its highly skilled archers. The "bow of Elam" was not just a weapon; it was a powerful symbol of their national strength, military prowess, and perceived invincibility. To "break the bow" was to dismantle their primary military asset and, by extension, their entire national confidence and power, signifying a complete and devastating defeat. This is why God's judgment specifically targeted this symbol of their might, as seen in [Jeremiah 49:35](/jeremiah/49-35 "Jeremiah 49:35 - God Breaks the Bow of Elam").

**What does the title "LORD of hosts" mean?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) is a profound divine title that emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Hosts" can refer to heavenly armies (angels) or earthly armies, and by extension, to all creation. Therefore, "LORD of hosts" portrays God as the commander of all celestial and earthly forces, the sovereign ruler of the universe. It highlights His unmatched power and authority to execute His decrees against any earthly force or nation, reinforcing that He is the ultimate power behind all events, as demonstrated throughout the Old Testament, such as in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Trust in the LORD of Hosts").

**Is this prophecy against Elam literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, historical evidence suggests a literal fulfillment of this prophecy. While the exact timing and circumstances are debated by scholars, Elam did suffer significant defeats and declines in power after Jeremiah's time, particularly at the hands of the Babylonians and later the Persians. Jeremiah 49:36-39 further details the scattering of Elam's people and the eventual restoration of their fortunes "in the latter days," which some interpret as a spiritual or eschatological restoration, or a partial return of exiles. The immediate judgment, however, was a historical reality, demonstrating God's precise control over the destinies of nations, just as He foretold the fall of other empires like Babylon in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 49:35, with its declaration of God's sovereign power to break the might of nations, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "LORD of hosts" who shatters the bow of Elam is the same God who, in Christ, decisively broke the power of sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil—the true "chief of their might" that held humanity captive. While earthly empires rise and fall, Christ established a kingdom that is eternal and unshakable, one that transcends all human power structures. His crucifixion and resurrection represent the ultimate divine act of breaking the "bow" of the enemy, disarming principalities and powers and triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The earthly judgments pronounced by Jeremiah foreshadow the final judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and rebellion at His return, when He will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords, wielding ultimate authority and establishing His righteous reign (revealed in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return as King")). Thus, the breaking of Elam's bow points to the comprehensive victory of Christ, in whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), ensuring that every knee will one day bow to Him (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

Isaiah 22:6

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Jeremiah 51:56

Because the spoiler is come upon her, [even] upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.

Jeremiah 50:14

Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about: all ye that bend the bow, shoot at her, spare no arrows: for she hath sinned against the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:29

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.