Jeremiah 49:35
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 11
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קֶ֣שֶׁת
the bow
H7198
קֶ֣שֶׁת
the bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
8 of 11
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
עֵילָ֑ם
of Elam
H5867
עֵילָ֑ם
of Elam
Strong's:
H5867
Word #:
9 of 11
elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites
Cross References
Isaiah 22:6And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.Psalms 46:9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.Jeremiah 51:56Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.
Historical Context
Elamite archers appear in Assyrian reliefs and Persian armies. Their archery reputation dated to the 3rd millennium BC. When Elam was subjugated by Persia (circa 550s BC under Cyrus), their military independence ended—the 'bow' was indeed broken as they became Persian subjects rather than independent military actors.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God target the specific strength (archery) of each nation in His judgments?
- What modern 'bows'—distinctive national or personal strengths—might we wrongly trust in for security?
- How does the 'breaking' motif demonstrate God's active, personal involvement in humbling the proud?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam (הִנְנִי שֹׁבֵר אֶת־קֶשֶׁת עֵילָם, hineni shover et-qeshet Elam)—Hineni ('behold, I am about to') signals imminent divine action. Elam was famed for archers (Isaiah 22:6), making the bow their military pride and economic strength (archery skills were marketable as mercenaries). God's breaking of their bow parallels His breaking of Babylon's weapons (51:56) and demonstrates that no human military advantage survives divine opposition.
The chief of their might (רֵאשִׁית גְּבוּרָתָם, re'shit g'vuratam)—Their 'firstfruits' or 'best' of military strength. The bow represented not just weaponry but national identity and confidence. When God breaks it, He dismantles their entire security apparatus. This surgical strike on Elam's specialty reveals God's intimate knowledge of each nation's distinctive strengths—and His power to neutralize them. Human expertise means nothing against the Almighty.