Topical Bible: Commerce: Called: Traffic

◄ Commerce: Called: Traffic ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, often referred to as "traffic" in biblical terms, encompasses the exchange of goods, services, and wealth among individuals and nations. The Bible provides numerous references to commerce, highlighting its significance in ancient societies and its moral and ethical implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, commerce is depicted as a vital component of daily life and economic stability. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were engaged in trade and livestock management, which were essential for their prosperity. Genesis 13:2 notes, "And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold," indicating the importance of commerce in accumulating wealth.

The Law of Moses contains specific regulations regarding commerce, emphasizing fairness and honesty. Leviticus 19:35-36 instructs, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." These laws underscore the necessity of integrity in commercial transactions.

The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on commerce, warning against dishonest gain and advocating for diligence and integrity. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the moral dimension of commerce, where ethical practices are favored by God.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, commerce continues to play a significant role, particularly in the context of the Roman Empire's expansive trade networks. Jesus' parables often use commercial imagery to convey spiritual truths. For instance, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of wise stewardship and the responsible use of resources.

The apostle Paul, in his epistles, addresses the conduct of Christians in commercial activities. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 , he advises, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one." This passage encourages believers to engage in honest work and commerce, maintaining a good testimony before others.

Prophetic Warnings and Symbolism

The prophets often used commerce as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. Ezekiel 28:16 speaks of the king of Tyre, saying, "By the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence within, and you sinned." Here, commerce becomes a symbol of pride and corruption, leading to divine judgment.

In Revelation, Babylon is depicted as a center of commerce and materialism, ultimately facing destruction due to its excesses and moral decay. Revelation 18:11-13 describes the lament of merchants over Babylon's fall, highlighting the transient nature of wealth and the dangers of placing trust in material prosperity.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, commerce is portrayed as an integral part of human society, with both positive and negative aspects. While it provides opportunities for prosperity and community development, it also poses challenges related to ethics and spiritual priorities. The biblical narrative calls for integrity, fairness, and a focus on eternal values in all commercial endeavors.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 42:34
And bring your youngest brother to me: then shall I know that you are no spies, but that you are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and you shall traffic in the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 17:4
He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Divine Providence in General.
... but also the creation and good government of Solomon were called by the name of ... O!
he who should consider this general commerce and traffic which creatures ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the divine.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... The rapacity of those called Christians, which has ... Geography, or McCulloch's Dictionary
of Commerce, or Howitt's ... voyages of just and honorable traffic, and on ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

Of the Mass.
... and every solemnity, rite, and commerce connected with it ... when they have abolished
the traffic in masses ... desert] their own parish [their called ministers, their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

Psalm XLVIII.
... the same which was called Carthage, is called Tharsus ... the ships which had been prepared
for commerce in his ... also when Carthage was built failed not in traffic. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm

Four Sowings and one Ripening
... concerns us now, has been generally called the Parable ... The heavy baggage-wagons of
commerce, the light cars of ... Then the whirl of traffic begins again, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/four sowings and one ripening.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Not idly was she called Menefer, the Good Place ... bazaars and quieted the quaint traffic
of her ... Science, art, literature, government, commerce, whatever the member ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... trading vessels, which made voyages for traffic to various ... of improvements by an
extensive commerce.[5] Samuel ... next following, in what they called, and what ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... He has a god of gold, therefore he is called an idolater. ... The Greek word signifies
our commerce, or traffic, or citizenship, is in heaven. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... 677] Hence, although the stream of commerce between Acco ... it passed alike those who
carried on the traffic of the ... or else by writing (the so-called Shitre Erusin ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... among men, it may then be properly called the mark ... not so much as to exercise commerce
with them in ... of interdict from buying and selling, traffic and intercourse ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm