Topical Bible: Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time

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Topical Encyclopedia

During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the commerce of the Jewish people experienced significant developments and challenges. Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, ruled the Kingdom of Judah and is noted for his efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and economically. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, which provide insights into the commercial activities and the obstacles faced during this period.

Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by a notable attempt to engage in maritime trade, a venture that was relatively new for the Kingdom of Judah. This initiative is recorded in 1 Kings 22:48-49 : "Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber. At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, 'Let my servants sail with your servants,' but Jehoshaphat refused."

The endeavor to build ships of Tarshish was an ambitious project aimed at accessing the wealth of Ophir, a region renowned for its gold. The location of Ophir is a subject of much scholarly debate, but it is traditionally associated with regions rich in natural resources, possibly in Africa or the Arabian Peninsula. The construction of these ships at Ezion-geber, a port on the Red Sea, indicates Jehoshaphat's desire to expand Judah's trade routes and economic influence.

However, the venture was thwarted when the ships were wrecked before they could embark on their journey. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Jehoshaphat in his commercial pursuits. The refusal to partner with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, further underscores the political and religious considerations that influenced Jehoshaphat's decisions. Ahaziah, being the son of Ahab and Jezebel, represented a kingdom that had strayed from the worship of Yahweh, and Jehoshaphat's refusal to ally with him reflects his commitment to maintaining religious purity and avoiding alliances that could compromise Judah's spiritual integrity.

Jehoshaphat's commercial policies were also influenced by his religious reforms. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 , "The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel." His dedication to following the ways of David and seeking the Lord's guidance played a crucial role in shaping his economic strategies.

Despite the setback with the maritime venture, Jehoshaphat's reign was characterized by prosperity and stability. His efforts to fortify cities and build storehouses, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:12-13 , "Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger. He built fortresses and store cities in Judah and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah," reflect a focus on strengthening the internal economy and ensuring the security of the kingdom.

In summary, the commerce of the Jews during Jehoshaphat's time was marked by ambitious projects and significant challenges. Jehoshaphat's commitment to religious principles and his cautious approach to alliances played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial landscape of Judah. His reign serves as a testament to the complexities of balancing economic ambitions with spiritual and political considerations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:48,49
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
Torrey's Topical Textbook