Topical Bible: Commerce: Maritime, by Ships

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Topical Encyclopedia

Maritime commerce, conducted by ships, played a significant role in the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient world, including the biblical lands. The Bible provides numerous references to seafaring trade, highlighting its importance in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean regions.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The Bible frequently mentions maritime commerce, underscoring its significance in the economies of ancient civilizations. The Phoenicians, renowned for their seafaring skills, were instrumental in establishing trade networks across the Mediterranean. Tyre and Sidon, prominent Phoenician cities, are often cited in Scripture for their commercial prowess. Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of Tyre's extensive trade network, describing it as a "merchant of the peoples on many coasts" (Ezekiel 27:3).

King Solomon's reign marked a period of significant maritime activity for Israel. Solomon's alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre, facilitated the construction of a fleet of ships. These ships, manned by experienced sailors from Tyre, embarked on voyages to Ophir, bringing back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks (1 Kings 10:22). This partnership exemplifies the strategic alliances formed through maritime commerce.

The prophet Isaiah also references the ships of Tarshish, symbolizing the wealth and reach of maritime trade. "Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor" (Isaiah 23:1). Tarshish, possibly located in modern-day Spain, was a distant trading partner, indicating the extensive reach of ancient maritime routes.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Maritime commerce facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, contributing to the prosperity and development of ancient societies. The import and export of goods such as metals, textiles, spices, and luxury items enriched the economies of trading nations. The wealth generated through trade is evident in the opulence of cities like Tyre, described in Ezekiel 27 as adorned with fine linen, embroidered work, and precious stones.

The cultural impact of maritime trade is also significant. The exchange of goods often accompanied the exchange of ideas, technologies, and religious beliefs. This cultural diffusion is reflected in the diverse influences seen in the art, architecture, and religious practices of the ancient world.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

In addition to its economic implications, maritime commerce holds symbolic and prophetic significance in the Bible. The sea often represents chaos and the unknown, while ships symbolize human endeavor and ambition. The fall of commercial powers like Tyre serves as a warning against pride and reliance on material wealth. Ezekiel's lament over Tyre (Ezekiel 27) and the oracle against Babylon (Revelation 18) both use maritime imagery to convey divine judgment against nations that place their trust in commerce and riches.

Conclusion

Maritime commerce by ships was a cornerstone of ancient economies and a catalyst for cultural exchange. The Bible's references to seafaring trade highlight its importance and provide insights into the economic and spiritual dynamics of the ancient world. Through the lens of Scripture, maritime commerce serves as both a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder of the transient nature of worldly wealth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 8:18
And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took there four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Commerce
... foreign trade signally failed; "for the ships were broken ... Palestine on the subject
of commerce still existing. ... 68), "we neither inhabit a maritime country, nor ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Introduction
... the Atlantic is the highroad of commerce and trade ... enterprise and the source of maritime
wealth for ... true, to the requirements of modern ships, but sufficient ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... in Phoenician glass and goldsmiths'work"Commerce with Egypt ... and the Achaeans in Cyprus;
maritime expeditions in ... of their dependence, and their ships sailed up ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... built, which soon became a centre of maritime trade. ... Commerce is still the great
civiliser, and the traders and ... it must have been brought in the ships of Eridu ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... At this period Egyptian ships were ploughing the Red Sea, and their captains were ...
of the "Royal Messengers," as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... this time the seat of a maritime empire, whose ... collected cargoes for their galleys
and ships, consisting of ... of foreigners attracted hither by commerce or held ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... The coast towns, which were in maritime communication with ... demands of the consumer,
the waning commerce which had ... except on furniture or in ships equipped with ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... their colonization"Their commercial proceedings, their banks and factories; their
ships"Cyprus, its ... that portion of the desert and of the maritime plain on ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... been entered by the most insignificant of our modern ships. ... a rapid falling off in
their maritime prowess; it ... of the Nile, and of this commerce the Phoenicians ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... that had been pillaged remained uninhabited and fell into ruins; commerce dwindled
and ... to crush his adversary with the sheer weight of his ships and battalions ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm