or עוֹלָם; (Ezra 10:2; Jeremiah 49:36), probably from עָלַם; hidden, i.e. distant; Elam, a son of Shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six Israelites; Elam.
Transliteration:ʻÊylâm
Pronunciation:ay-lawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֵילָם (transliterated ʻÊylâm, `{{H5867}}`) is primarily a proper noun, identifying both a significant ancient kingdom and its people, as well as several individuals. Its base definition suggests a probable derivation from the verb עָלַם (`{{H5956}}`), meaning "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden/distant." This etymological link might conceptually describe Elam as a land or people perceived as "hidden" or "distant" from the perspective of ancient Israel.
As a geographical and ethnic designation, ʻÊylâm refers to the ancient kingdom of Elam, located east of Mesopotamia in what is now southwestern Iran. Its people, the Elamites, were descendants of Elam, a son of Shem, as recorded in the Table of Nations. The term also functions as a personal name for at least six Israelites, particularly in post-exilic texts, signifying its adoption beyond the original ethnic group. The Strong's definition notes an alternative spelling, עוֹלָם, used in [[Ezra 10:2]] and [[Jeremiah 49:36]], which, despite its typical association with eternity (`{{H5769}}`), contextually refers to Elam in these instances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ʻÊylâm in the Hebrew Bible span a wide range of historical and prophetic contexts, illustrating its enduring significance:
1. **Genealogical Origin:** [[Genesis 10:22]] identifies Elam as one of the sons of Shem, establishing the Elamites as part of the Semitic family of nations. This foundational reference places Elam within the broader narrative of humanity's dispersion after the flood.
2. **Early Historical Power:** [[Genesis 14:1]] and [[Genesis 14:9]] feature Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, as a dominant regional power who led a coalition of kings against rebellious city-states in Canaan. This portrays Elam as a formidable military force in the patriarchal period, demonstrating its early influence in the ancient Near East.
3. **Prophetic Oracles:** Elam features prominently in prophetic literature, particularly in messages concerning divine judgment and future restoration:
* [[Isaiah 11:11]] lists Elam among the distant lands from which a remnant of Israel will be gathered in the eschatological age, indicating its geographical scope and inclusion in God's redemptive plan.
* [[Isaiah 21:2]] depicts Elam, alongside Media, as an instrument of divine judgment, specifically noted for its skilled archers, called upon to besiege Babylon.
* [[Jeremiah 25:25]] includes Elam in a sweeping prophecy of judgment against many nations, who will drink from the cup of God's wrath.
* [[Jeremiah 49:34-39]] contains a specific oracle against Elam, predicting its destruction and the scattering of its people, but uniquely concludes with a promise of restoration "in the latter days," highlighting God's sovereign control over its destiny.
* [[Ezekiel 32:24-25]] places Elam among the nations brought down to Sheol, symbolizing its fall from power and its ultimate demise in the eyes of the prophet.
4. **Post-Exilic Contexts:** [[Daniel 8:2]] places Daniel's vision in Susa (Shushan), the capital of Elam, which by then had become a significant administrative center of the Persian Empire. This illustrates Elam's continued importance within the changing geopolitical landscape.
5. **Personal Names:** ʻÊylâm also appears as the name of several Israelites, particularly those returning from Babylonian exile, as seen in [[Ezra 2:7]], [[Ezra 10:2]] (where the alternative spelling עוֹלָם is used), [[Ezra 10:26]], [[Nehemiah 7:12]], and [[Nehemiah 7:34]]. This usage signifies the adoption of the name within the Israelite community, possibly reflecting a connection to the land of exile or simply a popular name.
6. **New Testament:** [[Acts 2:9]] mentions "Elamites" among the diverse crowd present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. This demonstrates the wide dispersion of Elamite people (or those from the region of Elam) throughout the Roman world and their inclusion among the first recipients of the Holy Spirit, underscoring the universal reach of the Gospel message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻÊylâm is enriched by its connections to several related words and concepts:
* **עָלַם (`{{H5956}}`):** The proposed root verb, meaning "to hide," "to be hidden," or "to be distant." This etymological link conceptually positions Elam as a remote or ancient land from the perspective of the biblical authors, reinforcing its distinct identity.
* **שֵׁם (Shem):** The patriarch from whom Elam descended, linking the Elamites to the broader Semitic family tree and the covenantal narrative of Genesis.
* **Mesopotamia and Persia:** Geographically, Elam was situated to the east of Sumer and Akkad (Mesopotamia) and became closely associated with the later Persian Empire, often serving as a bridge between these major powers. Its capital, Susa (Shushan), became a significant city within the Persian Empire.
* **Medes:** Often mentioned alongside Elam in prophetic texts (e.g., [[Isaiah 21:2]]), indicating their close historical and military alliance, particularly in the context of their role in the downfall of Babylon.
* **Chedorlaomer:** The powerful Elamite king in [[Genesis 14]], representing Elam's early military might and its involvement in the affairs of Canaan.
* **Susa (Shushan):** The ancient capital of Elam, which later became one of the capital cities of the Persian Empire ([[Daniel 8:2]], [[Esther 1:2]]). This city's prominence reflects Elam's enduring significance even under foreign rule.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of Elam carries several profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The prophecies against Elam, particularly in Jeremiah, powerfully demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. He raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His divine purpose, using even distant and powerful nations like Elam as instruments of His judgment or as objects of His wrath. The detailed nature of these prophecies, including the promise of eventual restoration, underscores the meticulousness of God's control over human history.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The historical trajectory of Elam, from a prominent kingdom to its eventual subjugation by other empires, aligns with the prophetic pronouncements against it. This serves as a testament to the reliability and truthfulness of God's word, affirming His ability to declare the end from the beginning.
3. **Universal Scope of God's Plan:** The inclusion of Elam in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) establishes a foundational truth: all humanity descends from a common ancestor, and thus all nations fall under God's purview. More significantly, the presence of Elamites at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:9]]) is a powerful symbol of the universal reach of the Gospel. It signifies that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to embrace peoples from every tongue, tribe, and nation, including those historically "hidden" or "distant" from the covenant people. This event foreshadows the global expansion of the Church and the breaking down of ethnic barriers in Christ.
4. **God's Mercy and Restoration:** While judgment is a recurring theme, the unique promise of restoration for Elam in [[Jeremiah 49:39]] ("But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will restore the fortunes of Elam") offers a glimpse of God's enduring mercy and His ultimate desire for reconciliation, even with nations that have faced His wrath. This highlights a broader biblical principle of divine grace extended to the Gentiles.
### Summary
ʻÊylâm (`{{H5867}}`) denotes a significant ancient kingdom and people, genealogically descended from Shem, situated east of Mesopotamia. Its name potentially derives from a root meaning "hidden" or "distant," fitting its geographical location relative to Israel. From its early appearance as a formidable military power under King Chedorlaomer to its prominent role in prophetic oracles of judgment and eventual restoration, Elam serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereign control over all nations. Its capital, Susa, later became a key city in the Persian Empire, further cementing its historical importance. The presence of "Elamites" at Pentecost in [[Acts 2:9]] is particularly significant, demonstrating the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusion of all peoples, regardless of their historical distance or past relationship with Israel, into God's redemptive plan. Thus, ʻÊylâm represents a testament to both divine judgment and the expansive reach of God's grace throughout human history.
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