Merchant-ships in the Bible are emblematic of trade, wealth, and the movement of goods across vast distances. These vessels are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing prosperity and the diligent pursuit of resources.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 31:14 · "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." In this verse, the virtuous woman is compared to merchant-ships, highlighting her industrious nature and ability to provide for her household. The comparison suggests a sense of diligence, resourcefulness, and the ability to secure goods from distant lands, ensuring the well-being of her family.

2. 1 Kings 10:22 · "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 describes the wealth and opulence of King Solomon's reign, facilitated by the merchant-ships that brought exotic goods from far-off lands. The ships of Tarshish were renowned for their long voyages and the valuable cargo they transported, contributing to the prosperity and splendor of Solomon's kingdom.

3. Ezekiel 27:25 · "The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. You were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea." Here, the prophet Ezekiel laments the fall of Tyre, a major trading hub. The merchant-ships are depicted as integral to Tyre's economic strength, carrying its merchandise across the seas. The imagery underscores the city's reliance on maritime trade and the wealth it generated.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, merchant-ships were vital to the economy and the spread of culture and ideas. The Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and other waterways were bustling with trade routes connecting various civilizations. Ships carried not only goods but also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and cultural practices.

The "ships of Tarshish" mentioned in the Bible are often associated with long-distance trade. Tarshish is believed to have been a distant port, possibly located in present-day Spain or another part of the western Mediterranean. These ships were known for their capacity to undertake lengthy voyages and transport a diverse array of goods, including metals, luxury items, and exotic animals.

Symbolism:

Merchant-ships in the Bible symbolize diligence, prosperity, and the interconnectedness of different peoples and cultures through trade. They represent the pursuit of wealth and the ability to bring resources from afar, reflecting the industrious spirit commended in biblical teachings.

The imagery of merchant-ships also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding, much like a ship navigating the seas to acquire valuable cargo. The diligent and prudent management of resources, as exemplified by the virtuous woman in Proverbs, is a recurring theme in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and foresight.

In summary, merchant-ships in the Bible are more than just vessels for trade; they are rich symbols of diligence, prosperity, and the far-reaching impact of commerce in the ancient world.

A Refused Bequest
... Merchant-ships in time of war, like a flock of timid birds, keep as near as they
can to the armed convoy, for the only safety from the guns of the enemy's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/a refused bequest.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... stores of corn, much of which was floated down the river to its mouth, and taken
thence to various countries of Europe and Asia, in merchant ships, over the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... From the heights of Galilee the eye would rest on harbours, filled with
merchant ships, and on the sea, dotted with white sails. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Prayer
... The longer the merchant's ships stay abroad, the more he rejoices when they come
home laden with spices and jewels; therefore be not discouraged, but follow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... sailor's grog, and the voice of prayer and thanksgiving has been heard instead of
the voice of profane mirth and revelry, on board many of our merchant ships. ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

The Memphite Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Merchant-ships (1 Occurrence)
Merchant-ships. Merchant's, Merchant-ships. Mercies . Multi-Version
Concordance Merchant-ships (1 Occurrence). Proverbs ...
/m/merchant-ships.htm - 6k

Merchant's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Merchant's (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 31:14 She is like
the merchant'sships; she bringeth her food from afar. (WBS). ...
/m/merchant's.htm - 6k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... time fishermen's boats on the Sea of Galilee were called "ships." Much may be learned
regarding the construction of ancient merchantships and navigation from ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... In this case, however, the ships are not war ships, but more probably merchantships,
or ships for pleasure, sailing in the Euphrates. (3) Phoenicia. ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Merchant (15 Occurrences)
... standard. (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). Proverbs 31:14 She
is like the merchantships. She brings her bread from afar. ...
/m/merchant.htm - 13k

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... The manufactories of Alexandria were extensive, the greatest industry however being
shipbuilding, the largest merchantships of the world and battleships ...
/a/alexandria.htm - 31k

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

/m/mercies.htm - 25k

Afar (98 Occurrences)
... off. (YLT). Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchantships. She brings her
bread from afar. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/afar.htm - 36k

Solomon (277 Occurrences)
... commercial ends. They were ships of Tarshish, that is, merchantships,
not ships to Tarshish, as 2 Chronicles 9:21. They traded ...
/s/solomon.htm - 101k

What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

What is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus