Topical Encyclopedia
Overview:Tarshish is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, often associated with maritime trade and wealth. Its exact geographical location remains a subject of debate among scholars, but it is traditionally thought to be a distant port or region known for its riches and exotic goods. The name Tarshish appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in biblical narratives and prophecies.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 10:4 · Tarshish is listed as one of the sons of Javan, who was a descendant of Japheth, one of Noah's sons. This genealogical mention places Tarshish among the maritime peoples, suggesting its connection to seafaring and trade.
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 verse highlights the wealth and exotic goods associated with Tarshish, indicating its role in Solomon's extensive trade network.
3.
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. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." Jonah's attempt to flee to Tarshish underscores its reputation as a distant and remote location, far from the land of Israel.
4.
Isaiah 23:1 · "The oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus it has been revealed to them." This prophecy against Tyre includes a lament for the ships of Tarshish, indicating their involvement in the trade routes connected to Tyre.
5.
Ezekiel 27:12 · "Tarshish was your merchant because of your many goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." In this lamentation over the fall of Tyre, Tarshish is depicted as a trading partner, emphasizing its role in the exchange of valuable metals.
6.
Psalm 72:10 · "May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts." This verse, part of a royal psalm, envisions the kings of Tarshish bringing tribute, further illustrating its association with wealth and international relations.
Historical and Geographical Considerations:The precise location of Tarshish has been the subject of much scholarly debate. Some propose it was located in the western Mediterranean, possibly in southern Spain, near the ancient city of Tartessos. Others suggest locations in the eastern Mediterranean or even as far as the Indian subcontinent. The association with maritime trade and the variety of goods mentioned in biblical texts support the idea of Tarshish being a significant trading hub.
Theological Significance:Tarshish serves as a symbol of wealth, distance, and the reach of Israel's trade and influence during the biblical period. Its mention in prophetic literature often underscores themes of judgment and the futility of relying on material wealth. The account of Jonah's flight to Tarshish highlights human attempts to escape divine will, while the prophecies concerning Tarshish reflect God's sovereignty over all nations and their destinies.
Cultural Impact:The concept of Tarshish has permeated Christian thought and literature, often representing the farthest reaches of the known world. Its legacy continues to inspire discussions about the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the spread of biblical influence across diverse cultures and regions.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Tarshishcontemplation; examination
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Tarshish(established).
- Probably Tartessus, a city and emporium of the Phoenicians in the south of Spain, represented as one of the sons of Javan. (Genesis 10:4;1 Kings 10:22;1 Chronicles 1:7;Psalms 48:7;Isaiah 2:16;Jeremiah 10:9;Ezekiel 27:12,25;Jonah 1:3;4:2) The identity of the two places is rendered highly probable by the following circumstances: 1st. There is a very close similarity of name between them, Tartessus being merely Tarshish in the Aramaic form. 2nd. There seems to have been a special relation between Tarshish and Tyre, as there was at one time between Tartessus and Phoenicians. 3rd. The articles which Tarshish is stated by the prophet Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 27:12) to have supplied to Tyre are precisely such as we know, through classical writers, to have been productions of the Spanish peninsula. In regard to tin, the trade of Tarshish in this metal is peculiarly significant, and, taken in conjunction with similarity of name and other circumstances already mentioned, is reasonably conclusive as to its identity with Tartessus. For even not when countries in Europe or on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea where tin is found are very few; and in reference to ancient times, it would be difficult to name any such countries except Iberia or Spain, Lusitania, which was somewhat less in extent than Portugal, and Cornwall in Great Britain. In the absence of positive proof, we may acquiesce in the statement of Strabo, that the river Baetis (now the Guadalquivir) was formerly called Tartessus, that the city Tartessus was situated between the two arms by which the river flowed into the sea, and that the adjoining country was called Tartessis.
- From the book of Chronicles there would seem to have been a Tarshish accessible from the Red Sea, in addition to the Tarshish of the south of Spain. Thus, with regard to the ships of Tarshish, which Jehoshaphat caused to be constructed at Ezion-geber on the Elanitic Gulf of the Red Sea, (1 Kings 22:48) it is said in the Chronicles, (2 Chronicles 20:36) that they were made to go to Tarshish; and in like manner the navy of ships, which Solomon had previously made in Ezion-geber, (1 Kings 9:26) is said in the Chronicles, (2 Chronicles 9:21) to have gone to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. It is not to be supposed that the author of these passages in the Chronicles contemplated a voyage to Tarshish in the south of Spain by going round what has since been called the Cape of Good Hope. The expression "ships of Tarshish" originally meant ships destined to go to Tarshish; and then probably came to signify large Phoenician ships, of a particular size the description, destined for long voyages, just as in English "East Indiaman" was a general name given to vessels, some of which were not intended to go to India at all. Hence we may infer that the word Tarshish was also used to signify any distant place, and in this case would be applied to one in the Indian Ocean. This is shown by the nature of the imports with which the fleet returned, which are specified as "gold, silver, ivory, apes, andpeacocks ." (1 Kings 10:22) The gold might possibly have been obtained form Africa, or from Ophir in Arabia, and the ivory and the apes might likewise have been imported from Africa; but the peacocks point conclusively, not to Africa, but to India. There are only two species known: both inhabit the mainland and islands of India; so that the mention of the peacock seems to exclude the possibility of the voyage having been to Africa.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Tarshish1. The second son of Javan,Genesis 10:4.
2. Tartessus, an ancient city between two mouths of the Guadalquiver, in the south of Spain. It was a Phoenician colony, and was the most celebrated emporium in the west to which the Hebrews and Phoenicians traded. That Tarshish was situated in the west is evident fromGenesis 10:4, where it is joined with Elisha, Kittim, and Dodanim. See alsoPsalm 72:10. According toEzekiel 38:13, it was an important place of trade; according toJeremiah 10:9, it exported silver, and according toEzekiel 27:12,25, silver, iron, tin, and lead to the Tyrian markets. They embarked for this place from Joppa,Jonah 1:3-4. InIsaiah 23:1,6,10, it is evidently represented as an important Phoenician colony. It is named among other distant states, inIsaiah 66:19. All these notices agree with Tartessus.
In some of these passages, however, Tarshish may be used as a general expression, applicable to all the distant shores of Europe; and thus the custom may have arisen of designating as "ships of Tarshish" any large merchant ships bound on long voyages in any direction. The English term Indiaman is very similarly used. Whether the ships fitted out by Solomon at Ezion-geber on the Red sea, sailed around Africa to Tarshish in Spain, or gave the name of Tarshish to some place in India of Ethiopia, as the discovers of America gave it the eastern names India and Indians, cannot now be determined,1 Kings 10:22 22:48,492 Chronicles 9:21 20:26Isaiah 23:1,14 60:9.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A Sanscrit or Aryan word, meaning "the sea coast."
(1.) One of the "sons" of Javan (Genesis 10:4;1 Chronicles 1:7).
(2.) The name of a place which first comes into notice in the days of Solomon. The question as to the locality of Tarshish has given rise to not a little discussion. Some think there was a Tarshish in the East, on the Indian coast, seeing that "ships of Tarshish" sailed from Eziongeber, on the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26;22:48;2 Chronicles 9:21). Some, again, argue that Carthage was the place so named. There can be little doubt, however, that this is the name of a Phoenician port in Spain, between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir (the name given to the river by the Arabs, and meaning "the great wady" or water-course). It was founded by a Carthaginian colony, and was the farthest western harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to this port Jonah's ship was about to sail from Joppa. It has well been styled "the Peru of Tyrian adventure;" it abounded in gold and silver mines.
It appears that this name also is used without reference to any locality. "Ships of Tarshish" is an expression sometimes denoting simply ships intended for a long voyage (Isaiah 23:1, 14), ships of a large size (sea-going ships), whatever might be the port to which they sailed. Solomon's ships were so styled (1 Kings 10:22;22:49).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TARSHISHtar'-shish (tarshish):
(1) Eponym of a Benjamite family (1 Chronicles 7:10); Rhamessai, A and Lucian, Tharseis
(2) One of the "seven princes" at the court of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:14 Massoretic Text).
(3) The Hebrew name of a precious stone (Ezekiel 10:9 margin, English Versions of the Bible "beryl";Exodus 28:20;Exodus 39:13Ezekiel 1:16;Ezekiel 28:13Songs 5:14Daniel 10:6).
SeeSTONES, PRECIOUS.
TARSHISH, NAVY (SHIPS) OF
SeeSHIPS AND BOATS, II, 1, (2).
Strong's Hebrew
8659.Tarshish -- a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a...... 8658, 8659.
Tarshish. 8660 . a son of Javan, his desc.
... noble. Transliteration:
Tarshish Phonetic Spelling: (tar-sheesh') Short Definition:
Tarshish.
...8658.tarshish -- (a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper
...tarshish. 8659 . (a precious stone) perhaps yellow jasper. Transliteration:tarshish
Phonetic Spelling: (tar-sheesh') Short Definition: beryl....tarshish. 8659 >...
Library
Tarshish or Nineveh?
... II The Wooing Lover (John i. 1-18.)Tarshish or Nineveh?... He went towards
Tarshish on the extreme west; just the opposite direction....
Jonah the Narrow-Minded Patriot
... of Amittai: "Arise, go to that great city, Nineveh, and preach against it; for their
wickedness is known to me." But Jonah started to flee toTarshish from the...
Guilty Silence and Its Reward
... 2. Arise, go to Nineveh, that great, city, and cry against it; for their wickedness
is come up before Me.3. But Jonah rose up to flee untoTarshish from the...
A Song of Deliverance
... they were troubled, and hasted away.6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain,
as of a woman in travail.7. Thou breakest the ships ofTarshish with an east...
Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... said God. But Jonah, through fear or otherwise, declined to obey God, and
took passage on a ship forTarshish, fleeing from God. He...
Ezekiel's Discourse
...Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches;
with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded for thy wares....
Psalm XLVIII.
... 6. "With a strong wind Thou shalt break the ships ofTarshish" (ver.6). Briefly
understood, this is, Thou shalt overthrow the pride of the nations....
Book 9 Footnotes
... ch.6. sect.6. [3] What are here Pontus and Thrace, as the places whither Jehoshaphat's
fleet sailed, are in our other copies Ophir andTarshish, and the place...
"Nineveh, that Great City"
... The prophet was seized with a great dread, and he "rose up to flee untoTarshish."
Going to Joppa, and finding there a ship ready to sail, "he paid the fare...
Chapter x
... 4. And the sons of Javan: Ellshah andTarshish, Kittim and Dodanim.... "Tarshish"
must be the old city of Tartessus in southern Spain....
Thesaurus
Tarshish (24 Occurrences)... The question as to the locality of
Tarshish has given rise to not a little
discussion. Some think there was a
Tarshish in the East
...Tarshish-ships (3 Occurrences)
Tarshish-ships.Tarshish-ship,Tarshish-ships. Tarsus .
Multi-Version ConcordanceTarshish-ships (3 Occurrences). 1...
Tarshish-fleet (1 Occurrence)
Tarshish-fleet. Tarshishah,Tarshish-fleet.Tarshish-ship .
Multi-Version ConcordanceTarshish-fleet (1 Occurrence)....
Tarshish-ship (1 Occurrence)
Tarshish-ship.Tarshish-fleet,Tarshish-ship.Tarshish-ships .
Multi-Version ConcordanceTarshish-ship (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 22...
Trading (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had at sea a navy ofTarshish with the navy of Hiram:
once every three years came the navy ofTarshish, bringing gold, and silver...
Peacock
... It was brought to Solomon by his ships fromTarshish (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles
9:21), which in this case was probably a district on the Malabar coast of...
Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... 18). It was brought by the caravans of Dedan (Isaiah 21:13), and from the
East Indies by the navy ofTarshish (1 Kings 10:22). Many...
Fleet (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king had on the sea aTarshish-fleet, with the fleet of Hiram:
once in three years came theTarshish-fleet, bringing gold and silver...
Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... the Elanitic branch of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Akabah, near Elath or Eloth (Numbers
33:35; Deuteronomy 2:8). Here Solomon built ships, "Tarshish ships," like...
Monkeys (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:22 For the king hadTarshish-ships at sea with the ships of Hiram; once
every three years theTarshish-ships came with gold and silver and ivory and...
Resources
Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Jonah angry that the Ninevites repented (Jonah 4:1-2)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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