Jeremiah 49:39

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

But it shall come to pass in the latter {H319} days {H3117}, that I will bring again {H7725}{H7725} the captivity {H7622}{H7622} of Elam {H5867}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

'But in the acharit-hayamim, I will bring back the exiles of 'Eilam,' says ADONAI."

“Yet in the last days, I will restore Elam from captivity,” declares the LORD.

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring back the captivity of Elam, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 49:39

Jeremiah 49:39 concludes a specific prophecy against Elam, an ancient kingdom located east of Babylonia, in what is modern-day southwestern Iran. This verse offers a surprising glimmer of hope and divine promise amidst a series of pronouncements of judgment against various foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51).

Context

The book of Jeremiah is primarily a collection of prophecies delivered by the prophet Jeremiah to the kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous period leading up to and including the Babylonian exile. Chapters 46-51 contain oracles against nations surrounding Judah, demonstrating God's sovereign control not only over His chosen people but over all the earth. The prophecy against Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39) foretells a time when God would break their bow, scatter them, and bring disaster upon them, highlighting the devastating consequences of divine judgment. However, verse 39 pivots to a future promise of restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This chapter, like others in Jeremiah, underscores God's absolute authority over all nations, not just Israel. He orchestrates their rise and fall, judges their wickedness, and ultimately determines their future.
  • Prophecy and Future Hope: Even in prophecies of destruction, God often includes a promise of future restoration or a reversal of fortune. This verse provides a unique instance of such a promise for a pagan nation, indicating God's broader redemptive plan.
  • The "Latter Days" ('acharith hayyamim): This significant prophetic phrase often refers to a future, sometimes distant, period when God's ultimate purposes would be fulfilled. It can indicate the culmination of historical events or a time of divine intervention, leading to restoration or a new order. For more on this concept, see Ezekiel 38:16 or Daniel 10:14.
  • Restoration (shuv shevuth): The phrase "bring again the captivity" (Hebrew: shuv shevuth) is a common idiom in the Old Testament, often translated as "restore the fortunes" or "reverse the captivity." While frequently applied to Israel's return from exile (e.g., Jeremiah 30:3), its application to Elam here is notable, suggesting a future reversal of their desolate state.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase 'acharith hayyamim, translated "in the latter days," is a crucial eschatological term. It points to a definitive future time when God's plans will unfold, often involving significant changes and the establishment of divine order. The idiom shuv shevuth, "bring again the captivity," typically implies a comprehensive restoration of prosperity and well-being, not necessarily just a physical return from exile.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:39 offers several enduring lessons:

  • God's Unfailing Promises: Even amidst severe judgment, God's character includes mercy and the promise of future hope. This demonstrates His long-term perspective and ultimate control over history.
  • Hope for All Nations: While primarily focused on Israel, the Bible reveals God's concern for all peoples. This verse, though unique for a pagan nation, subtly points to a future where God's redemptive work might extend beyond His covenant people.
  • Trust in God's Timing: The phrase "in the latter days" reminds us that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing, often beyond human comprehension. Believers are called to trust in His sovereign hand over all circumstances and nations.

This verse serves as a reminder that divine judgment is not always the final word, and God's ultimate plan often includes restoration and a future hope, even for those who were once His adversaries.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 48:47 (5 votes)

    Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.

  • Ezekiel 29:14 (2 votes)

    And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

  • Micah 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

  • Hosea 3:5 (2 votes)

    Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

  • Ezekiel 38:16 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

  • Isaiah 2:2 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

  • Amos 9:14 (2 votes)

    And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.