Definition and Origin:
Tarshish-ships refer to a class of large, sea-going vessels mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with long-distance trade and commerce. The term "Tarshish" is often linked to a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as modern-day Spain. These ships were renowned for their size, strength, and capacity to carry substantial cargo, including precious metals and other goods.

Biblical References:
Tarshish-ships are mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, highlighting their significance in ancient trade and their symbolic representation of wealth and power.

1. 1 Kings 10:22 : "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This verse illustrates the wealth and exotic goods brought to King Solomon's court, emphasizing the extensive trade networks established through these ships.

2. 2 Chronicles 9:21 : "For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Every three years they would return, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This parallel account to 1 Kings 10:22 underscores the regularity and opulence of the trade expeditions.

3. Isaiah 2:16 : "against every ship of Tarshish, and every stately vessel." Here, the ships of Tarshish are used metaphorically to represent human pride and the futility of relying on material wealth, which will be humbled before the Lord.

4. Ezekiel 27:25 : "The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea." This passage is part of a lament for Tyre, a major trading city, highlighting the role of Tarshish-ships in its commercial success.

5. Jonah 1:3 : "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." Jonah's attempt to escape God's call by boarding a Tarshish-ship underscores the perceived remoteness and reach of these vessels.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The exact location of Tarshish remains a subject of debate among scholars, with suggestions ranging from Tarsus in Cilicia to locations in the western Mediterranean, such as Tartessos in Spain. The ships themselves were likely large, sturdy vessels capable of enduring long voyages across the Mediterranean Sea. They played a crucial role in the trade networks of the ancient Near East, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:
In the biblical narrative, Tarshish-ships symbolize both the prosperity and the transitory nature of human achievements. They are often associated with wealth and the far-reaching influence of powerful kingdoms like that of Solomon. However, prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah, uses them to illustrate the limitations of human pride and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation.

Conclusion:
Tarshish-ships serve as a powerful symbol in the biblical text, representing the intersection of human enterprise and divine sovereignty. Their mention across various books of the Bible highlights their importance in the ancient world and their enduring legacy in biblical literature.

Psalm 48
... Their grief came like a woman's pain,. when she a child doth bear. ^7Thou Tarshish
ships with east wind break'st: ^8As we have heard it told,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 48.htm

Tarshish-ships (3 Occurrences)
Tarshish-ships. Tarshish-ship, Tarshish-ships. Tarsus .
Multi-Version Concordance Tarshish-ships (3 Occurrences). 1 ...
/t/tarshish-ships.htm - 7k

Monkeys (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had Tarshish-ships at sea with the ships of Hiram; once
every three years the Tarshish-ships came with gold and silver and ivory and ...
/m/monkeys.htm - 7k

Sailing (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 9:21 For the king had Tarshish-ships sailing with the servants of Huram:
once every three years the Tarshish-ships came back with gold and silver ...
/s/sailing.htm - 13k

Tarshish-ship (1 Occurrence)
Tarshish-ship. Tarshish-fleet, Tarshish-ship. Tarshish-ships . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE DBY). Tarshish-fleet, Tarshish-ship. Tarshish-ships . ...
/t/tarshish-ship.htm - 6k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers 33:35;
Deuteronomy 2:8). Here Solomon built ships, "Tarshishships," like those trading ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers 33:35;
Deuteronomy 2:8). Here Solomon built ships, "Tarshishships," like those trading ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had Tarshish-ships at sea with the ships of Hiram; once
every three years the Tarshish-ships came with gold and silver and ivory and ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

Tarsus (5 Occurrences)

/t/tarsus.htm - 30k

Who was Eliezer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus