Topical Bible: Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish

◄ Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish ►

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The ancient city of Tarshish is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a significant center of commerce and trade. Its exact location remains a subject of scholarly debate, with suggestions ranging from the western Mediterranean region, such as southern Spain, to areas in the eastern Mediterranean. Regardless of its precise location, Tarshish is consistently portrayed as a hub of wealth and maritime activity.

Biblical References and Significance

The people of Tarshish are noted for their extensive trade networks and their role in the economic landscape of the ancient Near East. The Bible often associates Tarshish with ships and seafaring, indicating its prominence in maritime commerce. In Isaiah 23:1, the prophet laments the downfall of Tyre, a city closely linked with Tarshish, stating, "Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor." This passage highlights the dependency of Tarshish on its maritime trade routes and its connection to other major trading cities.

Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of the wealth and trade of Tyre, mentioning Tarshish as one of its trading partners. Ezekiel 27:12 states, "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This verse underscores the variety of goods exchanged and the economic interdependence between these ancient cities.

Role in Solomon's Reign

During the reign of King Solomon, Tarshish played a crucial role in the expansion of Israel's trade. 1 Kings 10:22 notes, "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This passage illustrates the wealth and exotic goods that flowed into Israel, contributing to Solomon's legendary prosperity and the splendor of his kingdom.

Symbol of Wealth and Judgment

Tarshish is also used symbolically in the Bible to represent wealth and human pride. In Isaiah 2:16, the prophet warns of God's judgment against human arrogance, including "against all the ships of Tarshish and all their beautiful vessels." Here, the ships of Tarshish symbolize human achievement and the accumulation of wealth, which are ultimately subject to divine judgment.

Jonah's Flight

The account of Jonah provides another notable mention of Tarshish. In Jonah 1:3, the prophet attempts to flee from God's command by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish: "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish." This account emphasizes Tarshish's reputation as a distant and remote destination, symbolizing Jonah's desire to escape from God's presence.

Conclusion

The people of Tarshish, through their extensive trade networks and maritime prowess, played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient world. Their mention in various biblical texts highlights the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human wealth and achievement in light of divine sovereignty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:25
The ships of Tarshish did sing of you in your market: and you were replenished, and made very glorious in the middle of the seas.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Solomon's Reign.
... This commercial people, through Hiram of Tyre, one of its ... Solomon married a daughter
of Pharoah and carried on with Egypt an extensive commerce and for ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

Psalm XLVIII.
... Carthage, the ships which had been prepared for commerce in his ... we to be stablished,
not to be "carried about with ... O God, in the midst of Thy people" (ver.8 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... Fever carried off his first child and brought himself ... much of his business; and the
people, as was ... to our knowledge trading companies, whose commerce lies in ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... and had entrenched himself in Kinabu; the Assyrians, however, carried the place ... The
people of Mariru hastened to the rescue;* the Assyrians took three hundred ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of her trade with foreign countries was carried on through ... of the Nile, and of this
commerce the Phoenicians ... These people were in possession of the tract of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm