Topical Bible: Commerce: Called: Trade

◄ Commerce: Called: Trade ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, often referred to as trade, is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the economic activities and interactions among individuals, tribes, and nations. The practice of trade is depicted throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both its benefits and potential moral pitfalls.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, trade is frequently mentioned as a part of daily life and a means of economic sustenance. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were involved in trade, often dealing in livestock and goods. Genesis 37:25 describes a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, "Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way down to Egypt." This passage highlights the trade routes and the exchange of goods that were prevalent in ancient times.

The city of Tyre is notably recognized for its extensive trade network. Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of Tyre's commerce, listing various goods and trading partners. Ezekiel 27:12 states, "Tarshish was your trading partner because of your abundant wealth of every kind; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This chapter underscores the prosperity and complexity of ancient trade systems.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible also addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of commerce. Honesty and fairness in trade are emphasized, as seen in Leviticus 19:35-36: "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin." These verses reflect God's command for integrity in business dealings.

Proverbs frequently offers wisdom on commerce, warning against dishonest gain and advocating for diligence and righteousness. Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the importance of honesty in trade as a reflection of one's character and faithfulness to God.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, commerce continues to play a role in the socio-economic landscape. Jesus' parables often use trade and commerce as metaphors for spiritual truths. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the responsible use of resources and the importance of investing wisely for the Kingdom of God.

The early Christian community also engaged in trade, as seen in Acts 16:14, which mentions Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. Her involvement in commerce did not hinder her faith; rather, it provided a platform for her to support the early church.

Warnings Against Materialism

While commerce is a necessary aspect of life, the Bible warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money. 1 Timothy 6:10 cautions, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This serves as a reminder that while trade and commerce are essential, they should not overshadow one's devotion to God.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on commerce, or trade, is multifaceted, acknowledging its role in society while emphasizing the need for ethical conduct and cautioning against the potential spiritual dangers associated with wealth. Through various narratives and teachings, the Bible provides guidance on how to engage in commerce in a manner that honors God and serves others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 34:10
And you shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade you therein, and get you possessions therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:16
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commerce
... Jehoshaphat to revive the foreign trade signally failed ... our reference to what may
be called the Scriptural indications against the pursuit of commerce brings up ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

His Unconscious Preparation for his Work
... also the center of a large transport trade; for behind the town a famous pass, called
the Cilician ... Tarsus was not only a center of commerce, but also a ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ii his unconscious preparation.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... is the denizen of the Board of Trade hall. ... being swept into this silent whirlpool,
the gambler's commerce. ... A passion for card-playing is called forth, developed ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... river, and the high-road of commerce from east ... Hazael, like his predecessor, was
soon called upon to ... Damascus again amassed wealth through the trade across the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... Therefore they are also called swivel-chair robbers, land- and highway-robbers ... to
establish and maintain order in all manner of trade and commerce, lest the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

The Christian Business World
... It is this latter class which upsets trade, causes great ... to unselfishly serve others
which slows down commerce to-day. ... He may be called away from the temporary ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xi the christian business.htm

The Christian Church a Family.
... out of which the reformer and the prophet, those who are called to do ... the sword;
secondly, by an ecclesiastical system; and thirdly, by trade or commerce. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xv the christian church a.htm

Kings
... In it literary prophecy was born, trade and commerce arose with ... to these "chronicles
of the kings of Israel and Judah," as they are called, he repeatedly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/kings.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... and produced the latest articles of commerce or of ... These, which may be called the
regular taxes, were ... prohibited from engaging in business or trade; but the ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... of the Jordan; now it is called the Wadi ... Edom; through it passed the highroad of
commerce which connected ... David doubtless desired to secure the trade with the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm