Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever." Ships will comeThe phrase "ships will come" suggests a movement or invasion from a distant place. In the Hebrew text, the word for "ships" is "אֳנִיּוֹת" (oniyyot), which often denotes large sea vessels used for trade or war. Historically, ships were a symbol of power and exploration, indicating a formidable force approaching. This imagery evokes the idea of an impending threat or change, as ships often brought new cultures, ideas, or conflicts. from the coast of Kittim
"Kittim" refers to a region associated with the descendants of Javan, traditionally identified with Cyprus or the broader Mediterranean area. The Hebrew "כִּתִּים" (Kittim) is often linked to maritime peoples. Archaeologically, Kittim represents a hub of ancient seafaring civilizations, suggesting that the prophecy involves a powerful, seafaring nation. This highlights the interconnectedness of ancient cultures and the influence of distant lands on Israel's history. they will subdue Asshur
"Asshur" is the Hebrew "אַשּׁוּר" (Ashur), referring to the Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the ancient Near East. The prophecy that these ships will "subdue Asshur" indicates a significant geopolitical shift. Historically, Assyria was known for its military prowess and expansive empire. The subjugation of Asshur implies a reversal of power, where even the mightiest empires are not immune to divine orchestration and judgment. and Eber
"Eber" in Hebrew is "עֵבֶר" (Eber), traditionally considered an ancestor of the Hebrews. This term can also represent a broader group of Semitic peoples. The mention of Eber alongside Asshur suggests a widespread impact of the coming force, affecting both the oppressors and the descendants of Eber. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations and the overarching sovereignty of God in the affairs of humanity. but they too will perish forever
The phrase "but they too will perish forever" underscores the transient nature of earthly powers. The Hebrew "וְגַם־הוּא עֲדֵי־אֹבֵד" (vegam-hu adei-oved) conveys a sense of finality and divine judgment. This prophetic declaration serves as a sobering reminder that no matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's eternal plan. The phrase inspires believers to place their trust not in temporal powers but in the eternal sovereignty of God, who holds history in His hands. Persons / Places / Events 1. KittimRefers 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. 2. AsshurRepresents the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military might and influence over Israel and surrounding nations. 3. EberTraditionally 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. 4. ShipsSymbolize the means of invasion or trade, indicating the movement of peoples or armies across the sea. 5. Balaam's ProphecyThis verse is part of Balaam's fourth oracle, where he prophesies about the future of various nations, including Israel's enemies. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThis 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. The Temporary Nature of Earthly PowersThe prophecy that these powers "will perish forever" reminds us that earthly kingdoms are temporary. Our ultimate allegiance should be to God's eternal kingdom. The Fulfillment of ProphecyBalaam'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. The Role of Outsiders in God's PlanThe 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. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy in Numbers 24:24 demonstrate God's sovereignty over historical events, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world affairs? 2. In what ways does the temporary nature of the powers mentioned in this verse encourage us to focus on eternal values and God's kingdom? 3. How can the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, such as those given by Balaam, strengthen our faith in the reliability of Scripture? 4. What lessons can we learn from the inclusion of foreign nations in God's prophetic plans, and how can this influence our perspective on global missions and evangelism? 5. How does the mention of Kittim, Asshur, and Eber in this prophecy connect to other biblical accounts, and what insights can we gain from these connections for our personal spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 11:30This verse also mentions ships from Kittim, connecting the prophecy to later events involving foreign powers impacting Israel. Isaiah 23:1The mention of ships and maritime powers can be related to the prophecy against Tyre, a significant maritime city. Genesis 10:4Lists Kittim as a descendant of Javan, linking the people to the broader table of nations and their roles in biblical history. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Afflict, Ashur, Asshur, Chittim, Coast, Destruction, Direction, Eber, Fate, Humbled, Kittim, Perish, Perishing, Ruin, Ships, Shores, Subdue, TroublingDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:24 5517 seafaring Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:24 NIVNumbers 24:24 NLTNumbers 24:24 ESVNumbers 24:24 NASBNumbers 24:24 KJV
Numbers 24:24 Commentaries
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