Topical Bible: Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians

◄ Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians ►

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Commerce in the ancient world was a vital aspect of societal development and interaction, and the Ethiopians were no exception. The region known as Ethiopia in biblical times often referred to the area south of Egypt, encompassing parts of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. This area was known for its wealth and resources, which made it a significant player in ancient trade networks.

The Bible provides several references to the commercial activities of the Ethiopians, highlighting their role in the trade of goods such as gold, ivory, and exotic animals. These commodities were highly valued in the ancient Near East and beyond, contributing to Ethiopia's reputation as a land of wealth and abundance.

In Isaiah 45:14 , the prophet speaks of the wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush (another name for Ethiopia), indicating the region's involvement in trade: "This is what the LORD says: 'The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush and those tall Sabeans—they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over in chains. They will bow down to you and plead with you, saying, ‘Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’"

The Ethiopians' participation in commerce is further illustrated in Ezekiel 30:4-5 , where the prophet describes the impact of God's judgment on Egypt and its allies, including Cush: "A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, and its wealth is carried away, and its foundations are torn down. Cush, Put, and Lud, all the mixed people, and Libya and the men of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt."

These passages suggest that Ethiopia was not only a source of valuable goods but also an integral part of the regional trade networks that connected Africa with the broader ancient world. The mention of Ethiopia alongside other nations involved in commerce with Egypt underscores its significance in the economic landscape of the time.

The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-2 , further exemplifies the commercial ties between Ethiopia and Israel. Although Sheba is often associated with the Arabian Peninsula, some traditions link her with Ethiopia. The passage states: "Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. So she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind."

This account highlights the exchange of luxury goods and the diplomatic relations fostered through commerce. The queen's visit, laden with gifts, underscores the wealth and resources available to Ethiopian traders and their ability to engage in high-level trade and diplomacy.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of Ethiopian commerce reflects a region rich in resources and deeply integrated into the trade networks of the ancient world. The Ethiopians' involvement in commerce is depicted through their trade in valuable goods and their interactions with neighboring nations, illustrating their significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges of the time.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:14
Thus said the LORD, The labor of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours: they shall come after you; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down to you, they shall make supplication to you, saying, Surely God is in you; and there is none else, there is no God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction
... place as a great centre both of commerce and of ... 617) against the king of the Ethiopians
(Aristeas Sec. ... Jeremiah, it will be remembered, was carried perforce by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The Nubian tribes, who are called Ethiopians by Herodotus and the ... He extended his
favour equally to the commerce which they carried on with the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... the waning commerce which had been carried on from ... revenue which the state drew from
its foreign commerce. ... an allusion to his wars against the Ethiopians in an ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... whom one might enter freely into commerce, as he ... [1516] Wellhausen has carried his
criticisms ... Ahiah (both supposed to have been Ethiopians), suddenly perceived ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Book 1.
... in long voyages over the seas carried wares to ... was this, that they had not any commerce
together; but ... the Colchians, the Egyptians, and the Ethiopians; but the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... Seir for acts of brigandage,* or the Ethiopians for some ... that of the valley of
Rahanu"carried the precious ... of foreigners attracted hither by commerce or held ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... arrows at a host of fleeing enemies; Ethiopians raise their ... The bulk of the army
carried short lances and ... as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the Ionian and Carian mercenaries; final retreat of the Ethiopians and the ... decision,
provided always that circumstances allowed of its being carried into effect ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Jeroboam II.--- Civilisation of the Hebrew kingdoms, their commerce, industries,
private ... at Nimroud, partly defaced by Esarhaddon, and carried off to serve as ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... rather the tribe of the Magi among the Medes, the Ethiopians, the Scythians. ... Isis
undertook it, carried it through successfully, drove out the poison, and made ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm