John Gill Commentary Jeremiah 49:35

"Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might." — Jeremiah 49:35 (ASV)

Thus says the Lord of hosts, I will break the bow of Elam , &c.] The inhabitants of this country were famous for their skill in archery; (See Gill on Isaiah 22:6); this the Lord threatens to break, so that it, should be useless, and of no more service to them to defend themselves, or annoy others. Their strength, as the Targum; that in which their great strength and security lay; in which they put their trust and confidence, as follows: the chief of their might ; which may be interpreted, by way of apposition, of their bow, the chief instrument of their might and power; or may design their mighty men, the archers themselves, who should be destroyed, even Elam itself, and all the inhabitants of it; especially their warriors, who should be slain or carried captive.