And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD. But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 49:38-39
It is so easy for us to hope that those who are troubling us would be judged and destroyed forever. God does judge and He has and will destroy. However, God's ways are not like our ways. Isaiah may have caught this sentiment best when he penned, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)" Whenever God deals with a people He always has redemption in mind. Is that not why we call Him Father? Fathers correct their erring children in love in the hopes that meaningful change will follow. This is Jeremiah's message to the Elamites, a fierce warrior like people using terror to impose their way. His overall aim is to rid Elam of its violent actions and establish peace in the land. How merciful considering who Elam is.
Elam was a region south of Persia. On today's maps it is a large portion of Southeastern Iran, the very land threatening world peace through radical ideology and false religion. However, God seems to see them as the kid raised in the tough neighborhood who has hidden potential. Maybe this is why He promised revival! The history of Elam is interwoven with constant warfare. Look at the map. From Hammurabi's domination, Assyrian overthrow, Neo-Babylonian invasion, Grecian domination, it is easy to see that this was and is a rough community to live in.
The Elamite skirmishers were know for their expertise with the bow and this is borne out three times, at least, in scripture. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all mention this fact. Archers tend to fight from a distance rather than engage in close, hand to hand combat. This is exactly the situation that the world finds itself in currently. Iran is threatening the entire world with its production of indirect fire weapons systems like missiles with a growing threat that those weapons will soon carry weapons of mass destruction. Also, Iran controls a large part of the terrorist activity in the world. What a threat! Ezekiel accurately described this very situation as well saying that Elam, "caused their terror in the land of the living (from Ezekiel 32:24)." It is a land of terrorism and terror tactics.
Elam's day of retribution is nearly here. Coupled with the belief that robbing the world of peace will allow a messiah-like figure to arise and radical hatred for Israel and the West, Elam has the world on the brink of a new world war today. It appears from Jeremiah's prophecy that this will cause a series of battles with Elam that will eventually lead to complete destruction. Notice the words of Jeremiah 49:37, "For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them..." To seek and to follow after takes time. It appears that God will turn the world against Elam continually with a series of battles until the land is completely subdued. Persia near Elam, is among those who are devastated in the Ezekiel 38-39 war as well. In Jeremiah's day Persia and Elam were separate nations but are both a part of Iran today.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Jeremiah 49:35
However, that is not the end of the story for Elam as many would wish. Now comes redemption. God allowed Elamites to be the first witnesses of the power of the gospel and the descent of His Spirit's presence. Notice who is in the crowd in Acts 2:9, "Elamites." Elam had a complex government that revolved around lords and overlords and it is still a land with a complex government. Jeremiah sees this system tossed as the reign of Messiah Yeshua begins. The rule of Christ the Prince of Peace will extend over Elam to bring peace and promise. They were among the first to see a move of the Holy Spirit and they will see another move of His presence in Christ's Kingdom. Hear Jeremiah 49:38, "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD." While a future series of wars will scatter them, God promises to bring them home, bless them, and restore them. "But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 49:39)." This is grace! Grace gives even to the most undeserving a place in the Kingdom of Christ. Grace is the very heart of the Gospel. It is not only extended to Elam, but is is also directed to you through the atoning death of Jesus!
The four corners of the world are about to be involved with a series of Middle Eastern wars--some may even call this WWIII. The fact that the signs of this warfare are screaming at us means that God, ever patient, is extending you the same grace that will fall on Elam. Please accept His plan of redemption for you. Hurry! Do it quickly! World events are pointing to the return of the LORD! Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!
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