Jeremiah 49:34-39--Judgment on Elam

Jeremiah 49:34-39
English Standard Version

Judgment on Elam
34 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah.

35 Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. 36 And I will bring upon Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven. And I will scatter them to all those winds, and there shall be no nation to which those driven out of Elam shall not come. 37 I will terrify Elam before their enemies and before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, my fierce anger, declares the LORD. I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them, 38 and I will set my throne in Elam and destroy their king and officials, declares the LORD.

39 “But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the LORD.”

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The LORD uses Jeremiah to prophesy against the nation of Elam.  He will allow many to survive as He says they will disperse throughout the nations so that they will live in every other nation and kingdom.  The LORD will bring disaster on them though in the form of war that will consume them.  They king and officials of Elam will be destroyed and the LORD will establish His throne there so that it will be a place where people know that He is the LORD and they serve Him.

However, He will not completely destroy them and in the later days, He will restore them.  This is the last of  the nations that Jeremiah proclaims judgment on before he once again declares judgment on Babylon.  In fact, two of the remaining three chapters are dedicated solely to prophecy against Babylon.  The last chapter is the fulfillment of the prophecies that have been spoken against Jerusalem and Judah and the Temple.  The people are taken into Exile and the seventy-year prophetic clock starts ticking.