Topical Bible: Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Commerce and Wealth of

◄ Tarshish: Also Called Tharshish: Commerce and Wealth of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Tarshish, sometimes spelled Tharshish, is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, often associated with commerce, wealth, and maritime activities. The exact geographical location of Tarshish has been a subject of debate among scholars, with suggestions ranging from a region in southern Spain to locations in the eastern Mediterranean or even as far as India. Despite the uncertainty of its precise location, Tarshish is consistently depicted as a distant and prosperous place, rich in resources and trade.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Maritime Trade and Wealth:
Tarshish is frequently mentioned in the context of maritime trade. The ships of Tarshish were renowned for their size and capacity, symbolizing extensive trade networks and economic prosperity. In 1 Kings 10:22 , it is noted, "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 associated with Tarshish, underscoring its importance in international trade during the reign of King Solomon.

2. Prophetic Literature:
The prophets often referenced Tarshish to illustrate themes of wealth and judgment. In Isaiah 23:1 , the oracle against Tyre includes a lament for the ships of Tarshish: "Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them." This lamentation reflects the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the impact of divine judgment on commercial centers.

3. Symbol of Human Pride and Divine Judgment:
Tarshish is also used symbolically to represent human pride and the futility of relying on material wealth. In Isaiah 2:16 , the prophet lists the ships of Tarshish among the objects of human pride that will be humbled: "against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel." This imagery serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human achievements in the face of divine sovereignty.

4. Jonah's Flight:
The account of Jonah provides another notable mention of Tarshish. In Jonah 1:3 , it is recorded, "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 escape to Tarshish underscores its reputation as a far-off destination, symbolizing his desire to flee from God's call.

5. Ezekiel's Lamentation:
In Ezekiel 27:12 , Tarshish is listed among the trading partners of Tyre, contributing silver, iron, tin, and lead: "Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This passage further emphasizes the economic significance of Tarshish and its role in the ancient world’s trade networks.

Cultural and Historical Context

The references to Tarshish in the Bible reflect the broader cultural and economic realities of the ancient Near East. The wealth and resources associated with Tarshish illustrate the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations through trade and commerce. The biblical portrayal of Tarshish as a symbol of wealth and human pride serves as a theological reminder of the limitations of material prosperity and the ultimate authority of God over all nations and economies.

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1 Kings 10:22
For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
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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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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.
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2 Chronicles 20:36
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongaber.
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Psalm 48:7
You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
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Isaiah 2:16
And on all the ships of Tarshish, and on all pleasant pictures.
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Isaiah 23:1-14
The burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
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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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Jeremiah 10:9
Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.
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Ezekiel 27:12,25
Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in your fairs.
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Ezekiel 38:13
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say to you, Are you come to take a spoil? have you gathered your company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
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