Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Tarshishah is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with wealth, trade, and maritime activities. It is mentioned in various contexts, primarily in the Old Testament, and is sometimes identified with the region of Tarshish, a distant and prosperous place known for its trade connections. Biblical References: The term "Tarshishah" appears in the context of the materials used in the construction of the Temple and in descriptions of wealth and trade. In 1 Chronicles 29:2, King David mentions "tarshish stones" as part of the materials he prepared for the building of the Temple: "With all my resources I have provided for the house of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities." In 2 Chronicles 9:10, the term is again associated with precious stones brought by the fleet of Hiram: "The servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones." Historical and Geographical Context: The exact location of Tarshish is a subject of debate among scholars. Traditionally, it has been associated with a region far to the west of Israel, possibly in the western Mediterranean. Some suggest it could be linked to Tartessos in ancient Spain, known for its rich mineral resources and trade networks. The association with maritime trade is reinforced by the frequent mention of "ships of Tarshish" in the Bible, indicating a fleet capable of long voyages. Cultural and Economic Significance: Tarshishah, as a term, is emblematic of wealth and the far-reaching trade connections of the ancient Near East. The mention of "tarshish stones" in the context of the Temple's construction highlights the opulence and the international scope of trade during the reigns of David and Solomon. The materials from Tarshish were considered valuable and were used in significant religious and royal projects. Theological Implications: The references to Tarshishah in the Bible underscore the theme of God's provision and the abundance He bestowed upon Israel during the united monarchy. The wealth and resources from distant lands like Tarshish were seen as blessings that enabled the construction of the Temple, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. Conclusion: While the precise identification of Tarshishah remains uncertain, its biblical mentions reflect the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the role of trade in the prosperity of Israel. The use of Tarshishah in the construction of the Temple serves as a testament to the grandeur and divine favor experienced by Israel during its golden age. Concordance Tarshishah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 1:7 Thesaurus Tarshishah (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Tarshishah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 1:7 And sons of Javan: Elisha, and Tarshishah, Kittim, and Dodanim. (YLT). ... /t/tarshishah.htm - 6k Tarshish (24 Occurrences) Tarshish-fleet (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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