Chittim

CHITTIM. Isaiah speaking of the destruction of Tyre by King Nebuchadnezzar, says, Howl ye vessels of the sea, for the place where the ships were used to sail is destroyed, its ruin shall come from the land of Chittim. If the land of Chittim signifies Macedonia, as we have shewn in our Comment on the tenth Chapter of Genesis, and in this Dictionary, how can it be said here, that the destruction of Tyre occasioned by Nebuchadnezzar, should come from the land of Chittim? might it not be more properly interpreted as relating to the destruction of this City by Alexander the great? A modern Author¹ by the word Chittim understands the Cuthæans, Inhabitants of the Suziana near Babylon, and Subjects to Nebuchadnezzar, who marched under the Conduct of this Prince, and contributed to the siege of Tyre, with the other People who composed his Army. But in what place of Scripture are the Cuthæans described by the name Chittim? Bochart supposes the Romans to be meant by Chittim; but the Romans were not concerned in the Siege of Tyre, here mentioned by Isaiah, and Tyre under the Roman Empire was not an object worthy of their indignation.

Isai. xxiii. 1.We are of opinion, that in this place, as well as every where besides, the Macedonians are intended by the word Chittim, and we translate the Hebrew of Isaiah after the following manner, Howl ye ships of Tarshish, because Tyre is destroyed within; it is open on the side where people enter who come from Chittim. They come from Macedonia to Tyre from the Sea-ward. The City was thought to be impregnable on this side, because it was built upon a Rock washed every way by the Sea. Notwithstanding the Prophet foretels, that it would be taken, laid waste, and open on this side: Moreover that it should be ravaged from within, by its own Inhabitants; division would arise among the Citizens, or Soldiers who defended it.

Isaiah adds, v. 12. Thou daughter of Zidon, city of Tyre, arise, pass over to Chittim, there also thou shalt have no rest. Seek for refuge in Macedonia in a remote and maritime Country; yet even thither God will pursue you; his hand will not suffer you to rest there.

Jeremiah reproaching the Israelites with their inconstancy in the Religion of Jer. ii. 10.their Forefathers, says to them, Pass over the isles of Chittim and see; and send into Kedar and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. Hath a nation changed their gods which are yet no gods? The Prophet speaks of the Isles of Chit-

330. tim, of the Country of Macedonia, under the name of an Island, after the manner of the Hebrews, who call thus Peninsulas and maritime Countries.

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