This passage tells the story of three nations situated in different locations. They also had different dynamics in their relationships with Judah. Yet all three received prophecies of judgement. What was the reason for the judgement upon these nations? 

Damascus fell despite its fame and great wealth; Kedar and Hazor were laid waste even though they felt secure in their isolation in the desert; and the nation of Elam was defeated despite possessing the most feared army of archers. God shattered these nations’ illusions of security to prove one absolute truth: there is no power in this world capable of rivaling His sovereignty. All mortal things that are made into ‘gods’ of protection will crumble in due course. 

These nations were evidently built and sustained upon the pride they had created for themselves. Yet, behind this narrative of destruction, God remains the God of grace. In verse 39, the Lord offers a promise of restoration to Elam. God’s judgement is always grounded in His justice, yet His ultimate purpose is to bring humanity back to Him for true restoration.

Let us, then, reflect on our own lives. Do we, at times, go through life and draw strength in the same way as those three nations did when building the foundations of their nations? We are tempted to take pride in wealth, power and position, rather than relying entirely on His wisdom and grace. Repent and declare your complete surrender to the Lord. He alone is the source of our help and the foundation of our existence.