Jeremiah 49:35

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Jeremiah 49:35 is part of a series of prophecies (Jeremiah 46-51) in which the prophet Jeremiah pronounces divine judgment against various foreign nations surrounding Judah. This specific oracle targets Elam, an ancient and powerful kingdom located to the east of Babylon, renowned for its formidable military strength, particularly its highly skilled archers. This prophecy underscores God's universal dominion, extending His authority and judgment beyond Israel to all peoples and empires, demonstrating that no nation is outside His sovereign control.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The opening phrase, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," immediately establishes God's ultimate authority. This verse powerfully illustrates God's dominion over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers, demonstrating that even the mightiest nations are subject to His will and judgment. He foretells the breaking of Elam's power, showing His control over the rise and fall of empires.
  • The Breaking of Human Power: "I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might" signifies the complete dismantling of Elam's primary military asset and, by extension, its very source of confidence and strength. It is a vivid image of how God can humble the proud and bring down the seemingly invincible, emphasizing that all human power is temporary and subservient to His divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

  • The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's role as the commander of heavenly armies and the supreme ruler of the universe. This title highlights His unmatched power and authority to execute His decrees against any earthly force.
  • The "bow of Elam" is a potent symbol. The Elamites were historically renowned for their archery skills, making the bow a direct representation of their national power and military prowess. To "break the bow" means to render them utterly defenseless and incapable of warfare, a common biblical metaphor for military defeat and the cessation of conflict (e.g., Psalm 46:9).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:35 serves as a timeless reminder that no earthly power, no matter how great or formidable, can ultimately stand against the will of God. For believers, this verse offers profound comfort and confidence, knowing that God remains sovereign over all global events and human affairs. It calls us to place our trust not in military might, political strength, or economic prowess, but in the unfailing power and wisdom of the "LORD of hosts." This principle encourages humility and a recognition that true security and lasting peace come from God alone, encouraging us to align our lives with His eternal purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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