Elam was the eldest son of Shem, who was a son of Noah. He is regarded as the ancestor of the Elamites, an ancient people who lived in southwestern Iran. Elam is mentioned in the genealogy in Genesis and in several prophetic texts that speak of the fate of the Elamite people.
King Kedorlaomer of Elam led a coalition of kings who ruled over the Valley of Sodom and was defeated by Abram, demonstrating the early military power of the Elamites.
2these kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, that is, Zoar.
5In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came with the kings who were allied with him, and they defeated the Rephaim at Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim at Ham, the Emim at Shaveh-kiriathaim,
17After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King's Valley.
The prophet Isaiah delivers prophecies where Elam is mentioned as part of God's plan for the nations, both as an instrument of judgment and as a recipient of judgment.
2A harsh vision has been told to me: the traitor betrays, the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam! Lay siege, Media! I have put an end to all her groaning.
The prophet Jeremiah pronounces a comprehensive prophecy of judgment against Elam, in which God says He will break Elam's bow and scatter the people, but also promises restoration in the last days.
36I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and I will scatter them to all these winds; there will not be a nation where Elam's exiles do not go.
37I will terrify Elam before their enemies, before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, even the heat of my anger, declares the LORD. I will send the sword after them until I have made an end of them.
Elamites are mentioned among the nations present in Jerusalem on Pentecost day who heard the gospel preached in their own language, showing the continued existence of Elam's descendants.