Topical Bible: Navy of Chittim

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The term "Navy of Chittim" refers to the maritime forces associated with the region of Chittim, a name that appears in the Bible and is often identified with the island of Cyprus or the broader region of the Mediterranean, including parts of Greece and the Aegean Islands. The people of Chittim are believed to be descendants of Javan, the son of Japheth, as mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:4: "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites."

The Navy of Chittim is notably mentioned in the context of ancient naval power and influence. In the prophetic literature, Chittim is often associated with maritime prowess and is sometimes used symbolically to represent distant lands or powerful foreign entities. The Berean Standard Bible references Chittim in the context of prophecy and historical events, highlighting its significance in the ancient world.

One of the key references to Chittim in the Bible is found in the Book of Daniel, where it is associated with a naval force that plays a role in the prophetic vision concerning the end times. Daniel 11:30 states, "For ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart and turn back. He will vent his fury against the holy covenant and take action. Then he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant." This passage suggests that the ships of Chittim are part of a divine intervention or a significant geopolitical shift that impacts the course of events described in the prophecy.

In addition to its prophetic significance, Chittim is also mentioned in the context of trade and commerce. The maritime capabilities of the people of Chittim would have made them important players in the ancient trade networks that connected the Mediterranean world. Ezekiel 27:6 refers to the use of "oaks of Bashan" to make oars for the ships of Tyre, with benches of ivory from the coasts of Chittim, indicating the region's involvement in the production and supply of materials for shipbuilding and trade.

The historical and prophetic references to the Navy of Chittim underscore the importance of maritime power in the ancient Near East and the broader Mediterranean region. The people of Chittim, through their naval capabilities, were able to exert influence and engage in trade across vast distances, contributing to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. The biblical portrayal of Chittim reflects both its historical role and its symbolic significance in the unfolding of divine plans as recorded in the Scriptures.

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Daniel 11:30,40
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.
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