Topical Encyclopedia Tarshish is a biblical figure mentioned as one of the sons of Javan, who was a son of Japheth, the son of Noah. This lineage is outlined in the Table of Nations found in Genesis 10, which traces the descendants of Noah's sons after the Flood. The specific reference to Tarshish is found in Genesis 10:4: "The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim."Genealogical Context Tarshish is part of the Japhethite line, which is traditionally associated with the peoples who spread out to the maritime regions. Javan, his father, is often identified with the Ionians or Greeks, suggesting that Tarshish and his descendants were linked to the seafaring and trading cultures of the ancient world. This connection is further supported by the frequent mention of Tarshish in the context of trade and maritime activities in the Bible. Geographical and Cultural Significance The name Tarshish is also associated with a distant maritime location, often thought to be a region rich in metals such as silver, iron, tin, and lead. This is supported by passages like Ezekiel 27:12, which states, "Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." The exact location of Tarshish has been the subject of much scholarly debate, with suggestions ranging from the western Mediterranean (such as Tartessos in Spain) to locations in the eastern Mediterranean or even the Indian subcontinent. Biblical References and Symbolism In addition to its genealogical mention, Tarshish appears in various other biblical contexts, often symbolizing wealth, trade, and distant lands. For instance, in the account of Jonah, the prophet attempts to flee to Tarshish, indicating its reputation as a far-off place (Jonah 1:3). The ships of Tarshish are frequently mentioned in the context of trade and commerce, as seen in 1 Kings 10:22: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the ships of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." Prophetic and Eschatological References Tarshish also appears in prophetic literature, where it is often depicted as a symbol of the nations and their wealth. In Isaiah 60:9, the ships of Tarshish are mentioned in the context of the eschatological gathering of the nations: "Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, because He has glorified you." Conclusion While the historical and geographical specifics of Tarshish remain a topic of debate, its biblical significance is clear. As a son of Javan, Tarshish represents a lineage associated with maritime prowess and international trade. Its frequent mention in the context of wealth and distant lands underscores its symbolic role in the biblical narrative as a representation of the far-reaching influence and interconnectedness of the ancient world. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 10:4And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:7 Strong's Hebrew 8659. Tarshish -- a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a ...... Word Origin from the same as tarshish Definition a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers. ... /hebrew/8659.htm - 6k Library Ezekiel's Discourse Chapter x Hope for the Heathen [Endnotes] The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is the sign of Jonah? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Did Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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