Jeremiah 49:36

KJV

And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.

KJV (with Strong's)

And upon Elam {H5867} will I bring {H935} the four {H702} winds {H7307} from the four {H702} quarters {H7098} of heaven {H8064}, and will scatter {H2219} them toward all those winds {H7307}; and there shall be no nation {H1471} whither the outcasts {H5080} of Elam {H5867}{H5769} shall not come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring against 'Eilam the four winds from the four quarters of the sky and scatter them to all those winds. There will not be one nation to which the dispersed of 'Eilam will not come.

Berean Standard Bible

I will bring the four winds against Elam from the four corners of the heavens, and I will scatter them to all these winds. There will not be a nation to which Elam’s exiles will not go.

American Standard Version

And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:36 delivers a profound prophetic declaration from the Lord concerning Elam, an ancient and militarily significant kingdom located east of Babylon. This verse foretells a comprehensive and divinely orchestrated judgment, symbolized by "the four winds from the four quarters of heaven," which will utterly scatter the people of Elam. The prophecy emphasizes the extreme thoroughness of this dispersion, asserting that Elamite exiles will be found in virtually every nation, signifying the complete dissolution of their national identity and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:36 is situated within a larger prophetic section of the book, chapters 46-51, which contains oracles of judgment against various foreign nations surrounding Judah. These prophecies serve as a theological counterpoint to the judgments pronounced against Judah and Israel, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and justice over all peoples, not just His covenant nation. Specifically, the oracle against Elam begins in [Jeremiah 49:34](/jeremiah/49-34 "Jeremiah 49:34 - Prophecy Against Elam") and continues through [Jeremiah 49:39](/jeremiah/49-39 "Jeremiah 49:39 - Restoration of Elam"), detailing its impending destruction before offering a glimmer of future restoration. This particular verse, [Jeremiah 49:36](/jeremiah/49-36 "Jeremiah 49:36 - God's Judgment on Elam"), focuses on the *method* and *extent* of Elam's downfall, emphasizing the divine agency and the global reach of its dispersion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elam was an ancient civilization located in what is now southwestern Iran, known for its formidable military, particularly its archers (as mentioned in [Jeremiah 49:35](/jeremiah/49-35 "Jeremiah 49:35 - Elam's Military Might")). Throughout history, Elam was a significant power in Mesopotamia, often a rival or an ally to major empires like Assyria and Babylon. At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), Babylon was rising to prominence, and Elam would eventually fall under its sway, though the specific historical event perfectly matching this "four winds" dispersion is debated among scholars. The imagery of "winds from the four quarters of heaven" would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern cosmology, where winds often symbolized divine power, judgment, or the bringing of change from all directions. The scattering of a people was one of the most severe forms of judgment in the ancient world, leading to the loss of land, identity, and national cohesion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, capable of raising and bringing down nations according to His will, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Universal Judgment**, demonstrating that God's justice extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and pride. Thirdly, the concept of **Dispersion and Exile** is central, portraying a complete and irreversible shattering of national unity, a fate also experienced by Israel due to their disobedience, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Israel's Dispersion"). Finally, the prophecy subtly introduces the theme of **God's Control over Natural Forces**, using the "four winds" as instruments of His divine decree, echoing His power over creation demonstrated in passages like [Psalm 104:4](/psalm/104-4 "Psalm 104:4 - God Makes Winds His Messengers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This primitive root (H2219) implies tossing about, diffusing, or winnowing. In an agricultural context, it refers to the process of separating grain from chaff by throwing it into the wind. Here, it powerfully conveys a deliberate, comprehensive, and forceful dispersal of the Elamite people, suggesting a separation that leaves no part intact, much like chaff blown away by the wind. It emphasizes the thoroughness of the divine judgment.
* **outcasts (Hebrew, _nâdach'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H5080) meaning "to push off," this term describes those who are expelled, driven away, or thrust out. It denotes a forced removal and banishment, highlighting the involuntary nature of the Elamites' dispersion. These are not people who leave by choice but are cast out, becoming refugees or exiles in foreign lands, stripped of their homeland and security.
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a foreign nation, often used in contrast to Israel, or more generally, a people group. Its use here in the phrase "no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come" underscores the global extent of the dispersion. It signifies that the Elamite exiles will be found among *all* other peoples, losing their distinct national identity and becoming absorbed or dispersed among the Gentiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven":** This clause establishes God as the active agent ("I bring") and the target of His judgment (Elam). The imagery of "the four winds from the four quarters of heaven" signifies a judgment that is universal in its origin and direction, coming from every conceivable point on the compass. It implies an inescapable, divinely orchestrated force that will overwhelm Elam.
* **"and will scatter them toward all those winds":** This continues the theme of divine action and the method of judgment. "Scatter" emphasizes the complete dispersal of the Elamite people. The phrase "toward all those winds" reinforces the idea that the scattering will be in every direction, leaving no concentrated remnant. It speaks to the loss of national cohesion and geographic identity.
* **"and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come":** This final clause underscores the extreme thoroughness and pervasiveness of the dispersion. It is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing that the Elamite exiles will be found in every corner of the known world, among every other people group. This signifies the ultimate dissolution of Elam as a distinct, unified nation, its people becoming a scattered diaspora.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:36 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of comprehensive judgment. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "the four winds from the four quarters of heaven" symbolize a divinely orchestrated, all-encompassing force of judgment and dispersion. Winds in biblical literature often represent God's power, His breath, or agents of His will, and their origin from "four quarters" signifies totality and inevitability. The act of "scattering" also carries symbolic weight, evoking the agricultural process of winnowing, where chaff is blown away, representing the removal and dispersal of the unwanted or judged. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Hyperbole** in the declaration that "there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come." This exaggerated statement is not meant to be taken literally as every single nation, but rather to emphasize the extreme and unparalleled extent of the Elamite diaspora, signifying a complete and irreversible loss of national homeland and identity. This powerful imagery ensures the reader grasps the severity and finality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:36 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, not just His chosen people. It demonstrates that the rise and fall of empires are ultimately under His divine control, serving His purposes of justice and judgment. The prophecy against Elam, a powerful and proud nation, serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power is beyond God's reach or accountability. This universal scope of divine judgment underscores the consistent biblical theme that God is the Lord of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous decrees. The scattering of Elam also foreshadows the broader biblical pattern of dispersion as a consequence of sin and rebellion, a fate that befell many nations, including Israel, and highlights the precariousness of human power in the face of divine will.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Amos 9:8-9](/amos/9-8 "Amos 9:8-9 - God's Judgment and Preservation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:36 offers enduring spiritual lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering sovereignty and justice in a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil and the shifting sands of power. It challenges us to recognize that no nation, no matter how mighty or self-assured, stands outside the purview of God's ultimate authority. This should instill in us a profound reverence for God, tempering any misplaced trust in human institutions or military strength. It also calls us to consider our own accountability, both individually and corporately, before a holy God who judges righteously. In an age where national identity and security are often paramount, this verse redirects our gaze to the eternal kingdom and the King who rules over all. It encourages us to pray for our nations, seeking righteousness and justice, knowing that God holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "four winds from the four quarters of heaven" deepen your understanding of God's comprehensive power and inescapable judgment?**
* **In what ways might a nation, or even an individual, today be prone to the kind of pride or self-reliance that could invite divine judgment?**
* **How does knowing that God is sovereign over all nations, even those seemingly opposed to Him, impact your sense of security and trust in His plan?**

### FAQ
**What was Elam and why was it judged by God?**

Answer: Elam was an ancient civilization located in what is now southwestern Iran, known for its significant military power, particularly its archers. While the specific reasons for Elam's judgment are not explicitly detailed in [Jeremiah 49:36](/jeremiah/49-36 "Jeremiah 49:36 - God's Judgment on Elam"), the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51) indicates that God judges nations for their pride, idolatry, violence, and opposition to His people or His will. Like other powerful empires of the ancient Near East, Elam likely exhibited these characteristics, falling under the universal scope of God's righteous judgment.

**Does this prophecy imply that Elam would be completely annihilated?**

Answer: While the prophecy in [Jeremiah 49:36](/jeremiah/49-36 "Jeremiah 49:36 - God's Judgment on Elam") speaks of a complete and widespread scattering ("no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come"), it does not necessarily imply total annihilation. Rather, it signifies the dissolution of Elam's national identity, its political and military power, and the loss of its homeland. Interestingly, [Jeremiah 49:39](/jeremiah/49-39 "Jeremiah 49:39 - Restoration of Elam") offers a glimmer of hope, stating, "But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD." This suggests a future restoration, demonstrating God's ultimate prerogative to judge and to restore according to His sovereign plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:36 directly addresses God's judgment upon the ancient nation of Elam, its theological undercurrents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, a truth fully revealed in Christ, who is declared to be "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings")). The scattering of Elam, a powerful nation, serves as a testament to the fact that all earthly kingdoms and their might are transient and ultimately subject to the divine will, culminating in the eternal and unshakable kingdom of Christ ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). The "outcasts" of Elam, dispersed among all nations, foreshadow the ultimate gathering of "every tribe and language and people and nation" into God's kingdom through Christ's redemptive work ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Jesus himself spoke of being lifted up to "draw all people to himself" ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")), transcending national boundaries and gathering those who were once "outcasts" or "foreigners" into His body, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Foreigners")). Thus, the judgment on Elam, while historical, points to the universal scope of God's plan, which ultimately centers on Christ's cosmic reign and the ingathering of a redeemed people from all corners of the earth.

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

Jeremiah 49:32

And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil: and I will scatter into all winds them [that are] in the utmost corners; and I will bring their calamity from all sides thereof, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 5:10

Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds.

Amos 9:9

For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as [corn] is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

Daniel 8:8

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.

Revelation 7:1

¶ And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Isaiah 56:8

The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.