Topical Bible: Ship used in Commerce with Tarshish

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The term "ship of Tarshish" is frequently encountered in the Bible, referring to large sea vessels used for long-distance trade and commerce. These ships are emblematic of wealth, exploration, and the expansive trade networks of the ancient world. Tarshish itself is often identified with a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as Tartessos in Spain, though its exact location remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Biblical References:

1. 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 highlights the wealth and exotic goods that these ships brought to King Solomon, indicating the extensive trade networks and the prosperity they brought to Israel.

2. Isaiah 2:16 · "against every ship of Tarshish, and every stately vessel." Here, the ships of Tarshish symbolize human pride and the grandeur of human achievement, which will be humbled before the Lord.

3. Ezekiel 27:12 · "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many wares. They exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This verse is part of a lament for Tyre, illustrating the city's vast trade connections, with Tarshish being a significant trading partner.

4. Jonah 1:3 · "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish." Jonah's attempt to flee to Tarshish underscores the distant and remote nature of the location, as well as the accessibility provided by these ships.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Ships of Tarshish were likely large, sturdy vessels capable of navigating the open seas, designed for long voyages and heavy cargo. They played a crucial role in the economic life of ancient Israel and its neighbors, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas across great distances. The mention of specific goods such as gold, silver, and exotic animals in 1 Kings 10:22 suggests that these ships were involved in luxury trade, bringing rare and valuable items from far-off lands.

The construction and operation of these ships would have required significant resources and expertise, indicating a high level of maritime technology and knowledge. The Phoenicians, renowned for their seafaring skills, were likely involved in the operation of these vessels, as suggested by the partnership between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, ships of Tarshish often symbolize human ambition and the reach of human enterprise. They are associated with both the blessings of wealth and the potential for pride and self-reliance apart from God. Isaiah 2:16 and Ezekiel 27:12 reflect a prophetic critique of reliance on material wealth and human achievement, emphasizing the transient nature of such pursuits in light of divine sovereignty.

The account of Jonah further illustrates the futility of attempting to escape God's presence, using the ship of Tarshish as a vehicle for Jonah's flight. This narrative underscores the theme of divine omnipresence and the futility of human attempts to evade God's will.

Overall, the ships of Tarshish serve as a powerful symbol within the biblical text, representing both the potential and the limitations of human endeavor in the context of divine providence and judgment.

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1 Kings 22:48
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
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Isaiah 60:9
Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, to the name of the LORD your God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.
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Jonah 1:3
But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... was, according to this view, thus used to replace ... position and its favourable situation
for commerce, but this ... [Illustration: 297.jpg A PHILISTINE SHIP OF WAR]. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The names Chaldaea and Chaldaeans being ordinarily used to designate the territory
and people of Babylon, I shall employ the term Kaldu or Kalda in treating ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm