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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊylâm**, represented by `{{H5867}}`, refers to a name whose meaning is likely "hidden" or "distant." It appears **28 times** across **27 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is multifaceted, denoting Elam as a son of Shem, the nation of his descendants and their country, and also as the name of at least six different Israelites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5867}}` first appears genealogically, identifying Elam as one of the sons of Shem ([[Genesis 10:22]], [[1 Chronicles 1:17]]). The name then designates a prominent nation and country, ruled by kings like Chedorlaomer [[Genesis 14:1]] and possessing military power, as when Elam is said to have "bare the quiver" [[Isaiah 22:6]]. The province of Elam is the setting for one of Daniel's visions [[Daniel 8:2]]. However, Elam is also the subject of extensive divine judgment, with prophecies declaring that the LORD will break its bow [[Jeremiah 49:35]], scatter its people to the winds [[Jeremiah 49:36]], and bring it to shame in the pit among the slain [[Ezekiel 32:24]]. The name is also found among Israelites returning from exile ([[Ezra 2:7]], [[Nehemiah 7:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Elam's judgment and power:
* `{{H7198}}` **qesheth** (bow): This word represents Elam's military power. God’s judgment is specifically aimed at this strength, as He declares, "Behold, I will break the **bow** of Elam, the chief of their might" [[Jeremiah 49:35]].
* `{{H2219}}` **zârâh** (to scatter): This describes the consequence of judgment upon the nation. The LORD promises to bring four winds upon Elam and **scatter** its people, leaving no nation where its outcasts would not go [[Jeremiah 49:36]].
* `{{H2865}}` **châthath** (to be dismayed): This term depicts the result of God’s action against Elam. The prophecy states God will cause Elam **to be dismayed** before their enemies and those who seek their life [[Jeremiah 49:37]].
* `{{H3639}}` **kᵉlimmâh** (shame): In a vision of the underworld, Elam and its multitude are depicted as having borne their **shame** with those who go down to the pit, a consequence of the terror they caused in the land of the living [[Ezekiel 32:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5867}}` is demonstrated through God's dealings with the nation.
* **Sovereignty over Nations:** The prophecies against Elam illustrate God's absolute authority over all kingdoms. He directs its military campaigns [[Isaiah 21:2]], shatters its strength [[Jeremiah 49:35]], and ultimately declares, "I will set my throne in Elam" [[Jeremiah 49:38]], showing his supreme rule.
* **Judgment and Restoration:** Elam serves as a case study for the biblical theme of judgment and restoration. After detailing the nation's complete dismantling and scattering [[Jeremiah 49:36-37]], the LORD promises, "But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam" [[Jeremiah 49:39]].
* **Gathering a Remnant:** The inclusion of Elam in the list of places from which God will recover His people shows His redemptive purpose extends even to nations under judgment [[Isaiah 11:11]]. The appearance of men named Elam within post-exilic Israel, one of whom initiates a covenant renewal, further hints at this integration [[Ezra 10:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5867}}` is far more than a geographical or ancestral label. It traces a journey from a patriarchal figure to a powerful nation, through divine judgment, and toward a promise of restoration. The narrative of Elam is a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty over the nations, His judgment against human pride and might, and His ultimate plan to gather a remnant for Himself from all corners of the earth.
TRV