Jeremiah 49:38

And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD.

And I will set {H7760} my throne {H3678} in Elam {H5867}, and will destroy {H6} from thence the king {H4428} and the princes {H8269}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

I will put my throne in 'Eilam and destroy their king and leaders,' says ADONAI.

I will set My throne in Elam, and destroy its king and officials,” declares the LORD.

and I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence king and princes, saith Jehovah.

Jeremiah 49:38 declares a specific divine judgment against the ancient kingdom of Elam, signifying God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies found in Jeremiah chapters 46-51, where the prophet Jeremiah delivers messages of judgment against various foreign nations that surrounded Judah. These prophecies underscore that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign Lord over all the earth, holding all nations accountable for their actions. Elam was an ancient civilization located east of Babylonia, in what is modern-day southwestern Iran. It was a significant power in the ancient Near East, often interacting, sometimes hostilely, with Mesopotamia. The prophecy against Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-39 would have been a startling declaration, as Elam was a formidable force.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The phrase "I will set my throne in Elam" vividly illustrates God's ultimate authority. It's not merely an act of war but a divine decree, asserting His judicial presence and power even in a foreign land. This theme of God's dominion over all earthly kingdoms is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, emphasizing that no nation or ruler is beyond His reach or accountability. Psalm 103:19 similarly affirms God's universal reign.
  • Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment: The declaration "saith the LORD" is a powerful prophetic formula, known in Hebrew as nĕ'um YHWH, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute certainty of the pronouncement. It signifies that this is not a human prediction but a guaranteed decree from the Almighty. The destruction of "the king and the princes" points to a complete dismantling of Elam's political and military power, demonstrating the effectiveness of God's word.
  • God's Justice Over Nations: This prophecy, like others against nations such as Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon, reveals God's righteous character. He is just not only with His covenant people but also with the wider world, bringing judgment upon those who oppose His will or oppress others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "throne," kisse' (כִּסֵּא), symbolizes authority, rule, and judgment. When God declares He will "set His throne" in Elam, it signifies His direct intervention and exercise of supreme power over that nation's destiny. The phrase "saith the LORD" (nĕ'um YHWH) is a hallmark of prophetic literature, serving as an authoritative seal on the message, underscoring its divine origin and infallibility.

Reflection and Application

Jeremiah 49:38 serves as a timeless reminder of God's universal sovereignty. In a world where nations rise and fall, and human leaders wield immense power, this verse affirms that ultimate authority belongs to the Lord. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control, even when geopolitical events seem chaotic or beyond human understanding. While this verse speaks of judgment, it's important to note that the very next verse, Jeremiah 49:39, remarkably promises a future restoration for Elam, showing God's mercy can follow judgment. This offers hope that even in divine discipline, God's redemptive purposes can eventually prevail, inviting all to acknowledge His reign.

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.

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Daniel 7:14

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

  • Jeremiah 43:10

    And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

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