CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 24:24 Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/24-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_24_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 24:24 - Balaam's Final Three Oracles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/24-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/24-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/24-23.htm" title="Numbers 24:23">◄</a> Numbers 24:24 <a href="/numbers/24-25.htm" title="Numbers 24:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus; they will subdue Ashur and Eber, but they too will come to ruin.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber, but they, too, will be utterly destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But ships shall come from Kittim and shall afflict Asshur and Eber; and he too shall come to utter destruction.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But ships <i>shall come</i> from the coasts of Cyprus, And they shall afflict Asshur and afflict Eber, And so shall <i>Amalek</i>, until he perishes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“But ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Kittim, And they shall oppress Asshur and oppress Eber; So they also <i>will come</i> to destruction.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur and will afflict Eber; So they also will come to destruction.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur and shall afflict Eber; So they also <i>shall come</i> to destruction.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur and will afflict Eber; So they also <i>will come</i> to destruction.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“But ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Kittim, And shall afflict Asshur (Assyria) and Eber; So they (the victors) also <i>will come</i> to destruction.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coast of Kittim; they will carry out raids against Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coast of Kittim; they will afflict Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to destruction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber; And he also shall come to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ships will come from Cyprus, bringing people who will invade the lands of Assyria and Eber. But finally, Cyprus itself will be ruined." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, And he also shall come to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus. They will conquer Assyria and Eber. But they, too, will be totally destroyed."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Invaders will sail from Cyprus; They will conquer Assyria and Eber, But they, in turn, will perish forever." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Ships under control of Kittim will devastate Asshur and Eber, until they are permanently destroyed."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ships will come from the coast of Kittim, and will afflict Asshur, and will afflict Eber, and he will also perish forever." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. He also shall come to destruction."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Ashur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. He also shall come to destruction.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But ships [come] from the side of Chittim, "" And they have humbled Asshur, "" And they have humbled Eber, "" But it is also perishing forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And -- ships are from the side of Chittim, And they have humbled Asshur, And they have humbled Eber, And it also for ever is perishing.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ships from the hand of the Cyprians, and they afflicted Assyria, and they afflicted Heber, and he also perished forever.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They shall come in galleys from Italy, they shall overcome the Assyrians, and shall waste the Hebrews, and at the last they themselves also shall perish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They shall arrive in Greek warships from Italy. They shall overcome the Assyrians, and they shall devastate the Hebrews, and yet, at the very end, even they themselves shall perish.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />to deliver them from the hands of the Kittim? When they have conquered Asshur and conquered Eber, They too shall perish forever. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But ships shall come from Kittim and shall afflict Asshur and Eber; and he also shall perish forever.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And legions shall come from the land of China, and shall conquer Assyria, and shall subdue the Hebrews, and they also shall perish for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a legion shall proceed from the land of Khethites and they shall destroy Assyria and they shall destroy also the Hebrews; also those shall be destroyed for eternities.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, And he also shall come to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And one shall come forth from the hands of the Citians, and shall afflict Assur, and shall afflict the Hebrews, and they shall perish together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/24-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7708" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Balaam's Final Three Oracles</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6716.htm" title="6716: wə·ṣîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A ship. From tsavah; a ship.">Ships</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yaḏ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">will come from the coasts</a> <a href="/hebrew/3794.htm" title="3794: kit·tîm (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Javan, also his desc. and their land. ">of Cyprus;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: wə·‘in·nū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive.">they will subdue</a> <a href="/hebrew/804.htm" title="804: ’aš·šūr (N-proper-fs) -- Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them, its region and its empire.">Asshur</a> <a href="/hebrew/6031.htm" title="6031: wə·‘in·nū- (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To be bowed down or afflicted. A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5677.htm" title="5677: ‘ê·ḇer (N-proper-ms) -- The same as eber; Eber, the name of two patriarchs and four Israelites.">and Eber,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">but they</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">too</a> <a href="/hebrew/8.htm" title="8: ’ō·ḇêḏ (N-ms) -- Destruction. Active of participle of 'abad; wretched or destructin.">will perish</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘ă·ḏê (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">forever.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-9.htm">Isaiah 60:9</a></span><br />Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-12.htm">Ezekiel 27:12</a></span><br />Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Daniel 11:30</a></span><br />Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and rage against the holy covenant and do damage. So he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/10-4.htm">Genesis 10:4</a></span><br />And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Isaiah 23:1</a></span><br />This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-10.htm">Jeremiah 2:10</a></span><br />Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/27-6.htm">Ezekiel 27:6</a></span><br />Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-19.htm">Isaiah 66:19</a></span><br />I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-22.htm">Jeremiah 25:22</a></span><br />all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/30-9.htm">Ezekiel 30:9</a></span><br />On that day messengers will go out from Me in ships to frighten Cush out of complacency. Anguish will come upon them on the day of Egypt’s doom. For it is indeed coming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-22.htm">1 Kings 10:22</a></span><br />For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Psalm 72:10</a></span><br />May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-16.htm">Isaiah 2:16</a></span><br />against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/27-1.htm">Acts 27:1-2</a></span><br />When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. / We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17</a></span><br />For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Numbers 24:11</a></b></br> Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Numbers 31:8</a></b></br> And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; <i>namely</i>, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Joshua 13:22</a></b></br> Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/26-24.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/genesis/10-22.htm">Ashur</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Asshur</a> <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Chittim</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/genesis/11-17.htm">Eber</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/genesis/10-4.htm">Kittim</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Others</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-11.htm">Shores</a> <a href="/numbers/24-6.htm">Side</a> <a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Subdue</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Troubling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/29-7.htm">Afflict</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-24.htm">Ashur</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-19.htm">Asshur</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-1.htm">Chittim</a> <a href="/numbers/34-3.htm">Coast</a> <a href="/numbers/32-15.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/33-1.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-18.htm">Eber</a> <a href="/numbers/29-7.htm">Humbled</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-7.htm">Kittim</a> <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Others</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-4.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/esther/10-1.htm">Shores</a> <a href="/numbers/32-19.htm">Side</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Subdue</a> <a href="/joshua/24-5.htm">Troubling</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Balak, in anger, dismisses him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus;</b><br>This phrase suggests a maritime invasion or influence originating from the region of Cyprus. In ancient times, Cyprus was known for its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a hub for trade and military expeditions. The mention of ships indicates a seafaring people, possibly the Phoenicians or Greeks, who were known for their naval prowess. This prophecy could be seen as a foretelling of future invasions or cultural influences that would impact the surrounding regions.<p><b>they will subdue Asshur and Eber,</b><br>Asshur refers to the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military strength and expansive conquests. Eber is often associated with the Hebrew people, as Eber is an ancestor of the Israelites according to the genealogies in Genesis. The subduing of Asshur and Eber suggests a significant shift in power dynamics, where even mighty empires and peoples would be overcome by these maritime forces. This could symbolize the eventual decline of Assyrian dominance and the challenges faced by the Israelites from external forces.<p><b>but they too will perish forever.”</b><br>This final phrase indicates the ultimate downfall of these invading forces. Despite their initial success in subduing powerful nations, they are destined to perish. This reflects a common biblical theme where human powers, no matter how formidable, are transient and subject to divine judgment. The phrase underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and the futility of relying on human strength. It also serves as a reminder of the prophetic nature of Balaam's oracle, pointing to the eventual fulfillment of God's plans and the establishment of His kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/kittim.htm">Kittim</a></b><br>Refers to a region or people associated with the island of Cyprus and possibly other Mediterranean areas. In biblical prophecy, Kittim often symbolizes distant lands or foreign powers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/asshur.htm">Asshur</a></b><br>Represents the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military might and influence over Israel and surrounding nations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/eber.htm">Eber</a></b><br>Traditionally understood as a reference to the Hebrew people or their ancestors. Eber is an ancestor of Abraham, making this a reference to the broader Semitic lineage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/ships.htm">Ships</a></b><br>Symbolize the means of invasion or trade, indicating the movement of peoples or armies across the sea.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam's_prophecy.htm">Balaam's Prophecy</a></b><br>This verse is part of Balaam's fourth oracle, where he prophesies about the future of various nations, including Israel's enemies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>This prophecy highlights God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over world events, even when they seem chaotic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_earthly_powers.htm">The Temporary Nature of Earthly Powers</a></b><br>The prophecy that these powers "will perish forever" reminds us that earthly kingdoms are temporary. Our ultimate allegiance should be to God's eternal kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a></b><br>Balaam's prophecy, though given by a non-Israelite, shows that God's word is true and will come to pass. This encourages believers to study and trust biblical prophecies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_outsiders_in_god's_plan.htm">The Role of Outsiders in God's Plan</a></b><br>The mention of foreign nations like Kittim and Asshur shows that God uses all peoples to accomplish His purposes. This can inspire believers to see God's hand in diverse cultures and events.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_cyprus's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What role did Cyprus play in biblical events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'born_of_the_spirit'_mean.htm">What role did Cyprus play in biblical events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/plague_deaths__24,000_or_23,000.htm">How many died in the plague after the Israelites' adultery with Moab's daughters: 24,000 (Numbers 25:1, 9) or 23,000 (I Corinthians 10:8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_balaam's_differing_portrayals.htm">How should we address the seeming discrepancy between Balaam's portrayal here in Numbers 24 and other biblical texts that condemn him (e.g., 2 Peter 2:15)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim.</span>--The <span class= "ital">Chittim </span>(or, <span class= "ital">Kittim</span>) are said to have migrated from Ph?nicia to Cyprus, and there founded the city of Citium, the modern <span class= "ital">Chitti. </span>(See Josephus, "Antiq." i.6, 1.) The name probably applies to the islands and coasts of the Mediterranean generally. The rendering of the Vulgate is <span class= "ital">Venient in trieribus de Italia; </span>and in <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm" title="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.">Daniel 11:30</a>, which is obviously founded upon this verse, the Vulgate identifies the <span class= "ital">Kittim </span>with the <span class= "ital">Romans.</span><p><span class= "bld">And shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber.--</span>Some understand by <span class= "ital">Eber </span>the <span class= "ital">Hebrews </span>only. The word, however, appears to be used in a wider signification, as comprising "all the children of Eber" (<a href="/genesis/10-21.htm" title="To Shem also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born.">Genesis 10:21</a>). Perhaps the word <span class= "ital">Asshur </span>may here be used to denote the <span class= "ital">Eastern Shemites, </span>and <span class= "ital">Eber </span>the <span class= "ital">Western Shemites.</span><p><span class= "bld">And he also shall perish for ever--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the victorious power which was to afflict Asshur and Eber. "The overthrow of this last power of the world," says Keil, <span class= "ital">in loc., </span>"concerning which the prophet Daniel was the first to receive and proclaim new revelations, belongs 'to the end of the days,' in which the star out of Jacob is to rise upon Israel as 'a bright morning-star'" (<a href="/revelation/22-16.htm" title="I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.">Revelation 22:16</a>). There is no evidence as to the manner in which Balaam's prophecies came into the hands of the Israelites. It is possible that he may have communicated them to Moses, in the expectation of receiving from him the reward which he had failed to obtain from Balak, or, if captured, in the hope of thereby saving his life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Chittim.</span> Cyprus (see on Genesis 10:4). The "isles of Chittim are mentioned by Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/2-10.htm">Jeremiah 2:10</a>) and by Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/27-6.htm">Ezekiel 27:6</a>) in the sense apparently of the western islands generally while in <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Daniel 11:30</a> "the ships of Chittim, may have an even wider reference. Indeed the Targum of Palestine makes mention of Italy here, and the Vulgate actually translates "venient in trieribus de Italia." There is, however, no reason to suppose that Balaam knew or spoke of anything further than Cyprus. It was "from the side of" (<span class="hebrew">מִיַּד</span>) Cyprus that the ships of his vision came down upon the Phoenician coasts, wherever their original starting-point may have been. Shall afflict, or, "shall bring low." The same word is used of the oppression of Israel in Egypt (<a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Genesis 15:13</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Eber.</span> The Septuagint has here '<span class="greek">Αβραίους</span>, and is followed by the Peschito and the Vulgate. It is not likely, however, that Balaam would have substituted "Eber" for the "Jacob" and "Israel" which he had previously used. The Targum of Onkelos paraphrases "Eber" by "beyond the Euphrates," and that of Palestine has "all the sons of Eber." From Gem 10:21 it would appear that "the children of Eber" were the same as the Shemites; Asshur, therefore, was himself included in Eber, but is separately mentioned on account of his fame and power. <span class="cmt_word">And he also shall perish forever.</span> The subject of this prophecy is left in obscurity. It is difficult on grammatical grounds to refer it to Asshur, and it does not seem appropriate to "Eber." It may mean that the unnamed conquering race which should overthrow the Asian monarchies should itself come to an end for evermore; or it may be that Balaam added these words while he beheld with dismay the coming destruction of his own Shemitic race, and their final subjugation by more warlike powers. It must be remembered that the Greek empire, although overthrown, did not by any means "perish for ever" in the same sense as the previous empires of the East. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/24-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Ships</span><br /><span class="heb">וְצִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6716.htm">Strong's 6716: </a> </span><span class="str2">A ship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[will come] from the coast</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיַּ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(mî·yaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Kittim;</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּתִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(kit·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3794.htm">Strong's 3794: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kittim -- a son of Javan, also his descendants and their land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will subdue</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעִנּ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘in·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6031.htm">Strong's 6031: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be bowed down or afflicted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Asshur</span><br /><span class="heb">אַשּׁ֖וּר</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·šūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_804.htm">Strong's 804: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashshur</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Eber,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵ֑בֶר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḇer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5677.htm">Strong's 5677: </a> </span><span class="str2">Eber -- 'region beyond', a descendant of Shem, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but they</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֖וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">too</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגַם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will perish</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹבֵֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8.htm">Strong's 8: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wretched, destruction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forever.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲדֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5703.htm">Strong's 5703: </a> </span><span class="str2">A, terminus, duration, advance, perpetuity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/24-24.htm">Numbers 24:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">OT Law: Numbers 24:24 But ships shall come from the coast (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/24-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 24:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/24-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 24:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>