Topical Bible: Commerce: Israelites

◄ Commerce: Israelites ►

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Commerce among the Israelites, as depicted in the Bible, was an integral part of their society and economy. The Israelites engaged in various forms of trade and commerce, both domestically and internationally, which played a significant role in their development as a nation.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of commerce is rooted in the early narratives of the Bible. In Genesis, we see the beginnings of trade with the account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers to a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). This incident highlights the existence of trade routes and the movement of goods and people across regions.

Agricultural Economy

The primary economic activity of the Israelites was agriculture. The Promised Land was described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating its fertility and potential for agricultural prosperity. The Israelites cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, grapes, and olives, which were essential for their sustenance and trade.

Trade and Barter

Trade among the Israelites often involved barter, as currency systems were not fully developed in the early periods. Goods were exchanged for other goods, and this system was prevalent in local markets. The Law of Moses provided guidelines for fair trade and honest measurements, emphasizing integrity in commercial dealings (Leviticus 19:35-36).

International Trade

The Israelites engaged in international trade, particularly during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Solomon's era was marked by extensive trade networks. He established alliances with neighboring nations, such as Tyre, to procure materials for the construction of the Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). Solomon's fleet, in partnership with Hiram of Tyre, brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks from distant lands (1 Kings 10:22).

Trade Routes and Caravans

The geographical location of Israel made it a crossroads for major trade routes connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Via Maris and the King's Highway were significant routes that facilitated the movement of goods and people. Caravans traveling these routes brought spices, textiles, and other luxury items, contributing to the wealth and cultural exchange in the region.

Economic Justice and Ethics

The Bible emphasizes economic justice and ethical conduct in commerce. The prophets frequently condemned dishonest practices and exploitation of the poor. Amos, for example, denounced those who "trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land" (Amos 8:4). The call for justice and righteousness in commerce is a recurring theme, reflecting God's concern for equitable treatment and the well-being of all people.

Sabbath and Jubilee

The Sabbath and Jubilee years were unique aspects of Israelite commerce and economy. Every seventh year, the land was to rest, and debts were to be forgiven (Leviticus 25:4). The Jubilee year, occurring every fiftieth year, was a time of liberation and restoration, where land was returned to original owners and slaves were freed (Leviticus 25:10). These practices underscored the importance of rest, renewal, and social justice in the economic life of Israel.

Conclusion

Commerce among the Israelites was a multifaceted aspect of their society, deeply intertwined with their religious and ethical values. Through agriculture, trade, and adherence to divine laws, the Israelites developed a unique economic system that reflected their covenant relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 9:26-28
And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
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Nehemiah 3:31,32
After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son to the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
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Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
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Library

The Place of the Old Testament in Divine Revelation
... On the other hand, the Israelites undoubtedly became in time the inheritors ... Already
for long centuries, by conquest and by commerce, the dominant civilization ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/iv the place of the.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... these agencies the enemy worked to confuse the minds of the Israelites in regard
to true and false worship, and they became an easy prey. Commerce with other ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... or rather in their skins, which were tanned by the Israelites into leather ... brought
wealth to Edom; through it passed the highroad of commerce which connected ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Origin and Growth of Law.
... of practically all these laws are the fundamental beliefs that the Israelites are
the ... of New Jersey, can our courts invoke the Interstate Commerce Law made ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study ix the origin and.htm

Introduction
... Atlantic; and just as the Atlantic is the highroad of commerce and trade ... Upon all
these varied elements the Israelites flung themselves, at first in hostile ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

Results of Transgression
... the heart of Solomon and in the hearts of all true Israelites was supplanted ... his
position politically by building fortified cities at the gateways of commerce. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... The Canaanites were subdued by the Israelites; the Cushites of Chaldea were absorbed ...
Moses the world had made great advancement in culture, commerce, law and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... But in addition to the knowledge carried by captive Israelites, the men of ... rendered
the Old Testament Scriptures into Greek, the language of commerce, and had ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

Jews.
... asylum in Holland, and, by their dexterity and success in commerce, became very ... the
Protector; and so high were the expectations of the Israelites, from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

How to Split a Kingdom
... of oppression, even though forced labour was not exacted from Israelites (1 Kings
9 ... the benefits of the peaceful reign, which had brought security and commerce. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/how to split a kingdom.htm