Overview:
Tharshish is a term found in the Bible that refers to a distant maritime location, often associated with wealth and trade. It is mentioned in various contexts, including as a place, a type of ship, and a person. The exact location of Tharshish has been the subject of much debate among scholars, with suggestions ranging from the western Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent.

Biblical References:

1. Geographical Location:
Tharshish is frequently mentioned as a distant land known for its wealth and trade. In the Book of Jonah, the prophet attempts to flee to Tharshish, indicating its remoteness from Israel: "But Jonah ran away to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish" (Jonah 1:3). This suggests that Tharshish was a well-known destination for maritime voyages.

2. Trade and Wealth:
Tharshish is often associated with wealth and valuable goods. In the Book of Ezekiel, it is described as a trading partner of Tyre, providing silver, iron, tin, and lead: "Tarshish was your trading partner because of your abundant wealth of every kind; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise" (Ezekiel 27:12). This indicates that Tharshish was a significant center of commerce.

3. Ships of Tharshish:
The term "ships of Tharshish" is used to describe large, sea-going vessels capable of long voyages. In 1 Kings 10:22, it is noted that King Solomon had a fleet of ships of Tharshish that brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks" (1 Kings 10:22). This highlights the extensive trade networks and the wealth associated with Tharshish.

4. Genealogical Reference:
Tharshish is also mentioned as a descendant of Javan, the son of Japheth, in the Table of Nations: "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim" (Genesis 10:4). This genealogical reference places Tharshish within the broader context of the ancient world and its peoples.

5. Prophetic Context:
In the prophetic literature, Tharshish is sometimes mentioned in eschatological contexts. Isaiah 60:9 speaks of the ships of Tharshish bringing the sons of Israel from afar, along with their silver and gold, to the glory of the LORD: "Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you" (Isaiah 60:9). This passage reflects the anticipated restoration and blessing of Israel.

Interpretations and Theories:
The exact identification of Tharshish remains uncertain. Some scholars propose that it was located in the western Mediterranean, possibly in Spain, due to the Phoenician trade routes and the mention of metals like silver and tin. Others suggest locations in the eastern Mediterranean or even as far as India, based on the exotic goods mentioned in biblical texts.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
Tharshish holds a significant place in biblical literature as a symbol of wealth, trade, and the far reaches of the known world. Its mention in various contexts underscores the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade and exploration. The imagery of the "ships of Tharshish" conveys the grandeur and reach of ancient maritime endeavors, reflecting the economic and cultural exchanges of the time.Tharshish

1. In this more accurate form the translators of the Authorized Version have given in two passages -- (1 Kings 10:22; 22:48) --the name elsewhere presented as Tarshish.
2. A Benjamite, one of the family of Bilhan the house of Jediael. (1 Chronicles 7:10) only.

(1 Kings 10:22; 22:48). See TARSHISH. THARSHISH

thar'-shish (tarshish).

See TARSHISH.

8659. Tarshish -- a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a ...
... and their land, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers.
noble NASB Word Usage Tarshish (29). Tarshish, Tharshish. ...
/hebrew/8659.htm - 6k

Letter xxxvii. To Marcella.
... He now refuses to do so on the ground that the work abounds with errors, of which
the two following are samples: (1) Rhetitius identifies Tharshish with Tarsus ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxvii to marcella.htm

Tharshish (3 Occurrences)
... See TARSHISH. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. THARSHISH. thar'-shish (tarshish).
See TARSHISH. Multi-Version Concordance Tharshish (3 Occurrences). ...
/t/tharshish.htm - 7k

Thassi

/t/thassi.htm - 6k

Tharra

/t/tharra.htm - 6k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold:
but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber. (KJV). ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... The collective term for "a navy of ships" is 'oni (1 Kings 9:26; 1 Kings 10:22,
'oni Tharshish, "a navy (of ships) of Tarshish"; but Isaiah 33:21, 'oni shayit ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... The collective term for "a navy of ships" is 'oni (1 Kings 9:26; 1 Kings 10:22,
'oni Tharshish, "a navy (of ships) of Tarshish"; but Isaiah 33:21, 'oni shayit ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

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