Chittim(kittim)
“(Kittim), from the city Kition in Cyprus.”
Summary
Descendants of Javan (Greece) who inhabited the Mediterranean islands, particularly Cyprus, their name eventually designating western maritime powers including Greece and Rome.
☩Origin and Identification
Chittim (also Kittim) were descendants of Javan, son of Japheth, and originally referred to inhabitants of the island of Cyprus, where Kition (modern Larnaca) preserved their name. The term later expanded to designate the islands and coastlands of the western Mediterranean generally.
☩Prophetic Significance
Balaam prophesied that ships from Chittim would afflict Asshur and Eber, foretelling Grecian and Roman invasions of the East. Daniel's prophecy of ships of Chittim coming against the king of the North refers to Roman intervention in the Seleucid wars.