Daily Devotions
Elam's Restoration
Reading for August 19th: Jeremiah 49
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, and I will set my throne in Elam and destroy their king and officials, declares the Lord.
“But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 49:37-39
This chapter predicts the fall of five nations that surrounded ancient Israel and had opposed them. The Elamites were located in modern day Iran.
The first time we read about Elam is in Genesis 10:22 where he is listed as one sons of Shem, who one of Noah's three sons. The king of Elam, Chedorlaomer, was one of the kings who took Lot and his family captive after the defeat of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer when he came to Lot's rescue (Genesis 14).
Jeremiah predicts the fall of Elam, saying that the nation will be scattered to the "four winds" (Jer 49:36). This must have happened soon after the prophesy was made. But when did the predicted restoration take place?
In Acts 2, we read that some of the Jews present on the day of Pentecost were from Elam (Acts 2:9). They were among those who heard the gospel for the first time. Were there Elamites converted in Acts 2? Did they take the gospel back home with them? Were there Elamites who responded to the gospel and became a part of the kingdom?
Who knows but it seems likely that this would have to be, at least partially, a fulfillment of this ancient prophesy from Jeremiah.
Father, thank you for giving us evidence in your Word that you keep your promises!
