The Multitude of Elam refers to the people and descendants of Elam, a significant ancient civilization located in what is now southwestern Iran. Elam is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of prophecy and judgment. The Elamites were known for their influence and interactions with the Israelites and other neighboring nations.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 10:22 · Elam is first mentioned in the Table of Nations as one of the sons of Shem, making the Elamites Semitic people. "The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram."

2. Isaiah 11:11 · Elam is listed among the nations from which the Lord will gather the remnant of His people. "On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."

3. Jeremiah 49:34-39 · The prophet Jeremiah delivers a message of judgment against Elam, foretelling its destruction and dispersion. "This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Behold, I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might. I will bring the four winds against Elam from the four corners of heaven, and I will scatter them to all these winds. There will not be a nation to which Elam’s exiles will not go.'"

4. Ezekiel 32:24 · Elam is mentioned in a lamentation over Egypt, where it is described as a nation that has fallen by the sword. "Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword, who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit."

5. Acts 2:9 · On the day of Pentecost, Elamites are noted among the diverse groups present in Jerusalem who heard the apostles speaking in their own languages. "Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia."

Historical and Cultural Context:

Elam was an ancient kingdom with its capital at Susa, a city that played a significant role in the history of the Near East. The Elamites were known for their advanced culture and contributions to art and architecture. They frequently engaged in conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Assyrians and Babylonians.

The Elamites' interactions with Israel and Judah are primarily seen through the lens of biblical prophecy and judgment. The prophecies against Elam, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, reflect the broader theme of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over all nations. These prophecies often symbolize the fate of nations that oppose God's people or His purposes.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Elam in biblical prophecy underscores the theme of God's control over history and His ability to raise up and bring down nations according to His will. The scattering and eventual restoration of Elam's people, as prophesied by Jeremiah, also highlight the themes of judgment and redemption that are prevalent throughout the Scriptures.

In the New Testament, the presence of Elamites at Pentecost signifies the inclusivity of the Gospel message and the fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people from all nations. This event marks the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Overall, the Multitude of Elam serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of biblical prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.