Topical Bible: Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants

◄ Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants ►

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In biblical times, commerce played a significant role in the economic and social life of ancient societies. Those engaged in commerce were commonly referred to as merchants. Merchants were individuals who bought and sold goods, often traveling great distances to trade their wares. The Bible provides numerous references to merchants, highlighting their activities, roles, and the moral and ethical considerations associated with their trade.

Old Testament References

Merchants are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, reflecting the importance of trade in ancient Israel and surrounding nations. In Genesis 37:28, Joseph is sold by his brothers to a caravan of Ishmaelite merchants traveling to Egypt, illustrating the role of merchants in long-distance trade. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom concerning the conduct of merchants, emphasizing honesty and fairness in trade: "Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD" (Proverbs 20:10).

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the merchants of Tyre, a prominent trading city, describing their wealth and influence: "The LORD of Hosts has planned it, to defile all its glorious beauty, to disgrace all the renowned of the earth" (Isaiah 23:9). This passage underscores the potential for pride and moral corruption among merchants, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic writings.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, merchants continue to play a vital role in the economic landscape. Jesus Himself uses the imagery of merchants in His parables. In Matthew 13:45-46, He compares the kingdom of heaven to a merchant seeking fine pearls, illustrating the value and pursuit of spiritual truth: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it" .

The book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of merchants in the context of the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the corrupt commercial systems of the world. Revelation 18:11-13 describes the lament of the merchants over the destruction of Babylon: "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo" . This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly wealth and the ultimate judgment on unjust commerce.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of integrity and righteousness in commerce. Merchants are called to conduct their business with honesty and fairness, avoiding deceit and exploitation. The prophet Micah admonishes against dishonest trade practices: "Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales and with a bag of false weights?" (Micah 6:11). This call for ethical conduct in commerce reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and righteousness in all aspects of life.

Merchants, like all individuals, are accountable to God for their actions and are encouraged to pursue their trade in a manner that honors Him. The Bible's teachings on commerce and merchants serve as a reminder of the moral responsibilities that accompany economic activities, urging believers to reflect God's character in their business dealings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 37:28
Then there passed by Midianites merchants; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 31:24
She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His Unconscious Preparation for his Work
... God's Plan."Persons whose conversion takes place after they are ... was not only a center
of commerce, but also ... the cities of the Gentile world, engaged in trade ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ii his unconscious preparation.htm

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
... But to many persons, the extension of dominion and commerce appears much ... adverse
to that cause which the great Governor of the world has engaged to promote ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvii the extent of.htm

The City of Benares.
... While in population and commerce there are cities in India which ... I have frequently
seen persons entering the city, not on ... They are engaged in various businesses ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Government of India.
... By it commerce was disorganized and dividends lowered. ... and not infrequently Governors,
have been persons of large ... I once came up to two men engaged in eager ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... the sage, Rabbi, scholar, scribe, and Darshan, [58] were engaged. ... And it was trade
and commerce which procured to ... of the order in which, and the persons by whom ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

Carey's Last Days
... of the system of credit on which commerce and banking ... dissolved in tears while they
were engaged in prayer ... strong, and extend not merely to persons but places. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Soul Winning
... and if he had addicted himself to commerce would have ... only be carried out by certain
favored persons who have ... brethren and sisters, you who are engaged in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/soul winning.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... While the Sumerian princes were engaged in mutual war, the ... was to be restored, and
the commerce of the ... carried into captivity to the number of 27,280 persons. ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... appears to me to have been called during the ... hold in leash, or sometimes are engaged
in teasing ... without the intermediary of a chamberlain, the "persons known by ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... in which the Heavenly and Satanic and earthly forces are about to be engaged. ... ie,
the kings and their armies) together unto the place which is called in Hebrew ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm