Topical Bible: Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In

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Silver, a precious metal highly valued in ancient times, played a significant role in the commerce and economy of various biblical regions. Among these, Tarshish is noted for its extensive trade in silver, as well as other goods. The biblical references to Tarshish highlight its importance as a major trading hub, particularly in the context of maritime commerce.

Biblical References to Tarshish and Silver

The Bible frequently mentions Tarshish in connection with wealth and trade. In Ezekiel 27:12, the prophet Ezekiel describes the city of Tyre's trading partners, stating, "Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This passage underscores Tarshish's role as a significant source of silver and other metals, which were highly sought after in the ancient world.

The ships of Tarshish are also mentioned in 1 Kings 10:22, where it is recorded that King Solomon had a fleet of ships that brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years. "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." This indicates the long-distance trade routes and the wealth that flowed into Israel through these maritime ventures.

The Significance of Silver in Ancient Commerce

Silver was a standard medium of exchange and a measure of wealth in biblical times. It was used for various purposes, including trade, tribute, and temple offerings. The extensive commerce in silver by Tarshish suggests that it was a region rich in natural resources or had access to silver mines, possibly through trade networks extending into other parts of the ancient world.

The mention of Tarshish in the context of silver trade also reflects the interconnectedness of ancient economies. The exchange of goods such as silver facilitated cultural and economic interactions between distant regions, contributing to the prosperity of cities like Tyre and Jerusalem.

Tarshish's Role in Biblical Prophecy

In addition to its historical and economic significance, Tarshish is also mentioned in biblical prophecy. Isaiah 60:9 speaks of the wealth of the nations being brought to Israel, with the ships of Tarshish playing a role in this future vision: "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."

This prophetic imagery highlights the enduring importance of Tarshish in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the wealth and resources that would ultimately serve God's purposes and the restoration of His people.

Conclusion

The extensive commerce in silver by Tarshish, as depicted in the Bible, illustrates the region's significant role in the ancient world. Through its trade networks, Tarshish contributed to the wealth and prosperity of various biblical nations, while also serving as a symbol of future hope and divine blessing in prophetic literature.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:12
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... Fever carried off his first child and brought himself so ... bring my sons from far,
their silver and their ... The ships of Tarshish were trading vessels, which made ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of their revolt on the spot; the rest, with Akhiabaha, were carried away and ... He bought
off the Assyrians with gold, silver, lead, precious stones, deep-hued ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Tyre"The voyages to Ophir and Tarshish"The palace ... him threescore and ten pieces
of silver out of ... her trade with foreign countries was carried on through ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm