Topical Bible: Commerce: Carried on by Jews

◄ Commerce: Carried on by Jews ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, as practiced by the Jewish people, is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting both the economic activities and the spiritual principles that guided them. The Jewish engagement in commerce is depicted in various contexts, from local trade to international business, and is often intertwined with their covenantal relationship with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, commerce among the Israelites was primarily agrarian, with trade in agricultural products, livestock, and goods. The Law of Moses provided guidelines for fair trade and ethical business practices. For instance, Leviticus 19:35-36 commands, "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."

The Israelites engaged in trade with neighboring nations, exchanging goods such as grain, wine, oil, and textiles. Solomon's reign is particularly noted for its commercial expansion. 1 Kings 10:22 describes Solomon's fleet: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks."

Prophetic Warnings and Ethical Considerations

The prophets often addressed the ethical dimensions of commerce, condemning dishonest practices and exploitation. Amos 8:5-6 highlights the corruption in trade: "You say, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may open the grain market, to reduce the ephah and increase the shekel, and to cheat with dishonest scales, to buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat?'"

These prophetic warnings underscore the importance of integrity and justice in commerce, reflecting God's concern for righteousness in all aspects of life.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jewish commerce is seen in the context of the Roman Empire, where Jews were involved in various trades and professions. The Apostle Paul, for example, was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), which he used to support his ministry. This reflects the Jewish tradition of combining vocational work with religious duties.

The New Testament also addresses the spiritual dangers associated with wealth and commerce. Jesus' cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) is a notable example, where He drove out those buying and selling, saying, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"

Diaspora and International Trade

The Jewish Diaspora facilitated the spread of commerce across the ancient world. Jewish merchants established trade networks that connected various regions, contributing to the economic and cultural exchange. This dispersion allowed for the spread of Jewish influence and the maintenance of their religious identity despite geographical separation.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of Jewish commerce is multifaceted, encompassing both the practical aspects of trade and the ethical and spiritual principles that should govern it. The Scriptures provide a framework for understanding commerce as an integral part of life that must be conducted with honesty, justice, and a commitment to God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commerce
... But no sketch of commerce among the early Jews, however brief, would be complete
without some further notice both of the nature of the trade carried on, and of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... Their labors were usually confined to the Hebrew and Greek Jews, large colonies ... The
extensive commerce carried on from that populous center brought to the city ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... was for a long time signally blessed as is witnessed by the Asiatic supremacy and
especially in the Jews who conquered ... Commerce was carried on extensively ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... Jews dwelling in Persian provinces among the Parthians, Medes ... But in addition to
the knowledge carried by captive ... into Greek, the language of commerce, and had ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... persecution from Jerusalem, and it was carried on with ... the Romans, the Greeks and
the Jews"which in ... genius, the perfect masters of commerce, literature and ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm

In Our Last Chapter we Sought to Show that in Rev. . .
... outcome of the negotiations which have been carried on recently ... of such a commercial
people as the Jews are re ... seas, not to speak of the commerce which would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in our last chapter we.htm

Religious and Social State.
... the separated tribes, and so naturally carried with them ... subjugation and deportation
of the Jews, allowing them ... beginnings of that trade and commerce which was ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm

Introduction
... and took its place as a great centre both of commerce and of ... and captured Jerusalem
on the sabbath-day, on which the Jews offered no ... [5] He carried away with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

Deuteronomy
... come upon them, till they were carried away captive ... This little nation of the Jews,
inhabiting a country ... without sea-port towns and commerce, without colonies ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xv deuteronomy.htm

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... and the surrounding hills, fertile plains, the commerce of the ... His remains were carried
with great solemnities to ... with the same eagerness as Jews and Gentiles. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm