There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.
There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave continues the catalog of fallen nations in Sheol. All of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth describes their fate. Elam was east of Babylon (modern Iran). Which caused their terror in the land of the living notes they once terrorized others. Yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit means their terror couldn't prevent their own destruction and shame. Those who inspire fear ultimately experience fear; those who inflict shame ultimately bear shame. Divine justice is precisely reciprocal.
Historical Context
Elam was conquered by Assyria (circa 640 BC under Ashurbanipal), demonstrating that even regional powers fall when God decrees it. Elam's inclusion in this catalog of fallen nations reinforces the universal pattern: all earthly powers are temporary; all empires fall; only God's kingdom endures. Terror and military might provide no protection from divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
How does justice turn terror back on those who wielded it?
What shame will we bear if we've inflicted shame on others?
Why can't human terror protect from divine judgment?
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Analysis & Commentary
There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave continues the catalog of fallen nations in Sheol. All of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth describes their fate. Elam was east of Babylon (modern Iran). Which caused their terror in the land of the living notes they once terrorized others. Yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit means their terror couldn't prevent their own destruction and shame. Those who inspire fear ultimately experience fear; those who inflict shame ultimately bear shame. Divine justice is precisely reciprocal.