Numbers 24:24

KJV

And ships [shall come] from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ships {H6716} shall come from the coast {H3027} of Chittim {H3794}, and shall afflict {H6031} Asshur {H804}, and shall afflict {H6031} Eber {H5677}, and he also shall perish {H8} for ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ships will come from the coast of Kittim to subdue Ashur and subdue 'Ever, but they too will come to destruction."

Berean Standard Bible

Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”

American Standard Version

But shipsshall comefrom the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber; And he also shall come to destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:24 concludes Balaam's fourth and final oracle, a remarkable series of prophecies delivered by a reluctant prophet commissioned by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam consistently delivered divine blessings upon Israel and profound insights into the future destinies of various nations. This particular verse extends the prophetic gaze far into the future, foretelling the emergence of a powerful maritime force from the West (Chittim) that would conquer formidable Eastern empires (Asshur and Eber), only to eventually face its own inevitable demise, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and the temporary nature of human power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:24 stands as the culmination of Balaam's final prophetic utterance (Numbers 24:20-24), which shifts focus from Israel's immediate neighbors to more distant and powerful entities. Following prophecies concerning Amalek (Numbers 24:20), the Kenites (Numbers 24:21-22), and the enigmatic "Kain" (likely a reference to the Kenites' eventual destruction), Balaam's vision expands to encompass mighty empires and their ultimate fates. This progression within the oracles demonstrates the expansive reach of God's sovereign plan, which extends beyond His chosen people to encompass the entire sweep of human history and the destiny of all nations, culminating in the final, far-reaching prophecy of this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Balaam's prophecies are set in the late Bronze Age, around the time of the Exodus (15th-13th century BCE). The mention of "Asshur" (Assyria) points to a powerful empire that would dominate the ancient Near East for centuries after Balaam's time, highlighting the extraordinary foresight embedded in these oracles. "Chittim" initially referred to Cyprus but later became a broader term for Western maritime powers, often interpreted as Greece or Rome in later biblical and historical contexts. The concept of a prophet hired to curse or bless was common in the ancient Near East, but Balaam's unique situation—compelled by God to speak blessings instead of curses—underscores the Lord's supreme authority over human will and pagan divination, as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:4-5](/deuteronomy/23-4 "Deuteronomy 23:4-5 - Balaam's Prophecy"). The geographical scope of the prophecy, reaching from the Mediterranean to Mesopotamia, illustrates the vastness of God's dominion.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme woven throughout Balaam's oracles, and particularly prominent in this verse, is **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**. God's absolute control over the rise and fall of empires is unequivocally declared; even the most formidable nations are subject to His will and ultimate judgment. This echoes the profound truth articulated in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men") that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." Secondly, the passage highlights **Prophetic Foresight**, demonstrating the authenticity and far-reaching scope of divine revelation. Balaam, despite his personal moral failings and mercenary motivations, is used as a vessel to unveil future historical developments centuries in advance, affirming God's comprehensive knowledge of history. Finally, the verse illustrates the **Cycles of Power and Judgment**, a recurring biblical pattern where dominant powers rise, exert influence, but inevitably face their own demise, serving as a stark reminder that no earthly kingdom possesses eternal dominion, a truth powerfully reiterated in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Foils the Plans of Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chittim (כִּתִּים, _Kittim'_):** This term originally referred to the city of Kition on the island of Cyprus. However, in later biblical and post-biblical usage, it expanded to denote a broader geographical area encompassing the islands and coastal lands of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly those associated with powerful Western maritime nations. In prophetic literature (e.g., [Daniel 11:30](/daniel/11-30 "Daniel 11:30 - Ships of Kittim")), "Chittim" often refers to the Greeks (specifically, the Macedonian empire of Alexander the Great and his successors) or, even later, the Roman Empire. The emphasis on "ships" strongly suggests a dominant naval power.
* **Asshur (אַשּׁוּר, _’Ashshur'_):** This term unequivocally refers to Assyria, one of the most formidable and brutal empires of the ancient world. Centered in northern Mesopotamia, Assyria dominated the Near East for centuries, known for its military might and ruthless conquests, particularly against Israel and Judah in the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. Its mention here signifies a major regional power.
* **Eber (עֵבֶר, _‘Ever'_):** Meaning "beyond" or "across," this term has several potential interpretations. It can refer to the eponymous ancestor of the Hebrews (from whom the term "Hebrew" is derived, [Genesis 10:21](/genesis/10-21 "Genesis 10:21 - Shem's Descendants, Including Eber")), or more broadly to peoples living "beyond the river" (Euphrates), thus indicating a wider Semitic population or specific groups in Mesopotamia. In the context of affliction alongside Assyria, it likely signifies other peoples or regions in the Near East who would also suffer under the invading power from Chittim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ships [shall come] from the coast of Chittim":** This clause prophesies the arrival of a powerful naval force originating from the Western Mediterranean. The "ships" highlight the maritime nature of this invading power, suggesting a distant, technologically advanced, and militarily formidable entity capable of projecting power across vast distances. This is widely understood to refer to the Greek (Macedonian) empire under Alexander the Great, which swept through the Near East, or potentially the Roman Empire, both of which were dominant naval powers.
* **"and shall afflict Asshur":** This part of the prophecy indicates that the invading force from Chittim will conquer or severely impact Assyria. Historically, the Assyrian Empire had fallen by the late 7th century BCE, long before the rise of the Greeks. Therefore, "Asshur" here might represent the successor empires that occupied the former Assyrian territories (e.g., the Neo-Babylonian or Persian empires), or it could be a general reference to the dominant power in Mesopotamia at the time of Chittim's arrival. Alexander the Great certainly afflicted and conquered the Persian Empire, which controlled the former Assyrian lands.
* **"and shall afflict Eber":** This clause suggests that the power from Chittim will also bring suffering or subjugation to the peoples of "Eber." As discussed, "Eber" likely refers to a broader Semitic population or other groups in the Near East, possibly those living "beyond the river" Euphrates. This implies a widespread conquest affecting not just the primary empire (Asshur/its successors) but also other indigenous populations in the region.
* **"and he also shall perish for ever":** This concluding and highly significant phrase declares the ultimate fate of the conquering power from Chittim. Despite its initial success in afflicting Asshur and Eber, this mighty Western empire itself will eventually face complete and permanent destruction. This powerful statement underscores the transient nature of all human empires, no matter how dominant, and reaffirms God's ultimate and eternal sovereignty over all earthly powers. It serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest human achievements and dominions are finite and subject to divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:24 primarily employs **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**. The entire verse is a direct prophetic utterance, revealing future historical events centuries before their occurrence, demonstrating God's omniscient control over the timeline of human history. The specific mention of "Chittim," "Asshur," and "Eber" serves as a form of **Symbolism**, where these specific entities represent broader categories of Western and Eastern powers, or the dominant empires of their respective eras. The phrase "and he also shall perish for ever" is a powerful instance of **Irony**, as the seemingly invincible conquering power is itself destined for ultimate destruction, highlighting the transient nature of all earthly dominion in contrast to God's eternal reign. The structure of the prophecy, moving from the rise of a new power to its conquests and then its eventual downfall, creates a sense of **Dramatic Arc**, emphasizing the cyclical nature of imperial power under divine oversight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:24 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the sovereign Lord of all history and all nations. He orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, using them as instruments of His will, whether for judgment or for the advancement of His purposes. This verse reminds us that no human power, no matter how vast or technologically advanced, can ultimately withstand the divine decree. The temporary nature of even the greatest earthly kingdoms stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God. This truth provides immense comfort and a proper perspective for believers living amidst geopolitical shifts and uncertainties, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance and hope must rest in the King of kings, whose dominion is everlasting.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")
* [Isaiah 14:24](/isaiah/14-24 "Isaiah 14:24-27 - The Lord's Purpose Against Assyria")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:24 offers profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to recalibrate our perspective on power, history, and our ultimate hope. In a world characterized by shifting geopolitical landscapes, the rise and fall of nations, and constant anxieties about global stability, this ancient prophecy serves as a powerful anchor. It reminds us that behind the chaos and complexity of human affairs stands an omnipotent God, actively involved in orchestrating the destinies of nations according to His divine purpose. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of peace and trust, knowing that God's grand plan will ultimately prevail, regardless of the current turmoil. Furthermore, the verse serves as a sober reminder of the transient nature of all human power and achievements. It encourages humility, warning against placing ultimate trust in earthly governments, military might, or economic prowess. Our ultimate hope and allegiance should never be misplaced in temporary earthly structures but firmly rooted in the enduring reality of God's eternal kingdom. This perspective liberates us from the despair that can accompany the decline of human empires and directs our focus toward the only truly enduring reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophecy in Numbers 24:24 challenge our modern tendency to place ultimate trust in human institutions or national power?**
* **In what ways can understanding God's sovereignty over nations provide comfort and peace amidst current global uncertainties and conflicts?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our hope and allegiance are primarily in God's eternal kingdom rather than in temporary earthly powers?**
* **How does the impermanence of earthly empires, as depicted in this verse, inspire us to invest in things of eternal value?**

### FAQ

**Who are Chittim, Asshur, and Eber, and what do they represent in this prophecy?**

Answer: **Chittim** (כִּתִּים, _Kittim'_) initially referred to Cyprus but in later biblical usage, it expanded to represent powerful Western maritime nations, most commonly interpreted as the Greek (Macedonian) empire of Alexander the Great or, in some interpretations, the Roman Empire, both of which were dominant naval forces that profoundly impacted the Near East. **Asshur** (אַשּׁוּר, _’Ashshur'_) unequivocally refers to Assyria, a formidable and brutal empire of ancient Mesopotamia that dominated the Near East for centuries. In this prophecy, it likely represents the dominant Mesopotamian power of the future, which would be conquered by the power from Chittim (e.g., the Persian Empire, which controlled former Assyrian lands, conquered by Alexander). **Eber** (עֵבֶר, _‘Ever'_) means "beyond" or "across" and can refer to the ancestor of the Hebrews or, more broadly, to peoples living "beyond the river" (Euphrates). In this context, it likely signifies other Semitic populations or regions in the Near East that would also suffer under the Western power's conquest, distinct from Israel, who is generally blessed in Balaam's prophecies.

**Does "and he also shall perish for ever" refer to the power from Chittim?**

Answer: Yes, the most widely accepted interpretation among biblical scholars is that the pronoun "he" in "and he also shall perish for ever" refers to the conquering power from Chittim. After afflicting Asshur and Eber, this mighty Western power, despite its initial dominance, is itself prophesied to face ultimate and permanent destruction. This concluding statement emphasizes the transient nature of all human empires, no matter how powerful, and reinforces the overarching biblical theme that only God's kingdom is eternal and will never perish, as seen in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Eternal Dominion of the Son of Man").

**How does this ancient prophecy relate to God's broader plan for humanity and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom?**

Answer: Numbers 24:24, like many other Old Testament prophecies concerning the rise and fall of nations, serves to highlight God's absolute sovereignty over human history. It demonstrates that He is actively involved in orchestrating events, using even pagan empires to fulfill His purposes. By showing that no earthly power lasts forever, the prophecy implicitly points to the only truly enduring kingdom—God's own. This provides a foundation of hope for believers, assuring them that despite the turmoil and shifting powers of the world, God's ultimate plan for redemption and the establishment of His eternal kingdom will prevail. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His everlasting reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:24, while seemingly focused on geopolitical shifts of the ancient world, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy's declaration that even the mightiest earthly empires—those that afflict and conquer—will ultimately "perish for ever" powerfully foreshadows the transient nature of all human dominion in contrast to the eternal, unshakeable kingdom inaugurated by Christ. The rise and fall of Chittim, Asshur, and Eber, and indeed all subsequent empires, serve as a historical canvas against which the enduring reign of the "star out of Jacob" (Numbers 24:17) is painted. Jesus Christ is the promised King whose kingdom "will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). His victory on the cross disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and His resurrection established His universal Lordship, a reign that transcends all earthly governments and will culminate in the final subjugation of every enemy ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Thus, the impermanence of earthly powers in Numbers 24:24 points forward to the eternal dominion of Christ, who is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the King of kings, whose reign will have no end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become God's")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:4

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

Daniel 11:30

For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

Numbers 24:20

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek [was] the first of the nations; but his latter end [shall be] that he perish for ever.

John 11:48

If we let him thus alone, all [men] will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

Daniel 2:45

Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Daniel 7:23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.