Learn more about Tarshish

Introduction to Tarshish

“Tarshish” is a significant biblical term that appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, associated with distant maritime trade, precious metals, and even people. The word may refer to a person, a place (often assumed to be a distant port or region), or a type of valuable cargo. Its meaning and location have long intrigued biblical scholars, as it represents one of the farthest and most exotic destinations mentioned in the Bible.

Tarshish Pronunciation

“Tarshish” is pronounced as TAR-shish, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Tarshish in the Bible

Tarshish is used in multiple biblical settings, with slightly different implications depending on the context. Below are the main categories:

• Tarshish as a Distant Port or Region: Perhaps the most famous reference is in the story of Jonah, who attempted to flee to Tarshish to escape God's call (Jonah 1:3). It is depicted as a distant and possibly western maritime location, indicating a land far from Israel.
• Tarshish and Maritime Trade: Tarshish is often associated with rich maritime commerce. Ships of Tarshish brought gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks to Israel, particularly during Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21). Isaiah 2:16 and Ezekiel 27:12 speak of the wealth and merchandise of Tarshish.
• Tarshish as a Descendant of Javan: In the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7), Tarshish is listed as one of the sons of Javan (a son of Japheth), placing him among the early maritime peoples possibly associated with the Mediterranean or western lands.
• Tarshish in Prophetic Literature: The name appears in eschatological passages as a nation that will submit to God's dominion (Isaiah 60:9; Psalm 72:10), sending gifts to the Messiah or helping to return the exiles of Israel.

Related Themes and Meanings to Tarshish

The term Tarshish carries several thematic associations in Scripture:

• Distance and Escape: Jonah's attempt to flee to Tarshish symbolizes running away from God’s presence and mission. Tarshish becomes emblematic of avoidance and rebellion.
• Wealth and Commerce: As a trading port, Tarshish is linked to material prosperity and global exchange. Its ships and cargo are a symbol of economic strength.
• Judgment and Futility: The prophets often use Tarshish to illustrate human pride and its eventual fall. Isaiah and Ezekiel condemn the reliance on ships of Tarshish as part of worldly arrogance (Isaiah 2:16; Ezekiel 27:25-27).

Possible Geographic Identifications of Tarshish

Despite many theories, the exact location of Tarshish is uncertain. Suggestions include:

• Southern Spain (Tartessos): A common theory identifies Tarshish with Tartessos, a Phoenician colony in Spain near the Atlantic Ocean, known for its silver mines.
• Sardinia or Carthage: Some scholars link Tarshish to other western Mediterranean locations connected with Phoenician trade routes.
• India or the East: Others propose an eastern identification, based on the exotic goods listed (like apes and peacocks), which could have originated from India or Southeast Asia.

Regardless of its exact location, Tarshish symbolized the outer edge of the known world for the Israelites.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Tarshish

• Tarshish is often paired with "ships of Tarshish," a term used generically in the ancient world for large, sea-worthy cargo ships (Isaiah 23:1, 60:9).
• The name may also appear metaphorically to represent distant lands or worldly power, especially in prophetic and poetic passages.
• In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), “Tarshish” is rendered in several different ways, sometimes adding to the confusion about its meaning.
• Despite his attempt to flee to Tarshish, Jonah ends up fulfilling God's mission, showing that even the ends of the earth are within God’s control.

Scripture References

• Jonah 1:3: Jonah flees to Tarshish to avoid God’s calling.
• 1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21: Solomon's navy brings riches from Tarshish every three years.
• Isaiah 60:9: Ships of Tarshish bring sons of Israel from afar.
• Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7: Tarshish as a descendant of Javan.
• Ezekiel 27:12: Tarshish trades silver, iron, tin, and lead.

Conclusion

Tarshish is a multifaceted term in the Bible, reflecting the far reaches of the known world, economic prosperity, and spiritual symbolism. Whether viewed as a literal place, a figure of speech for wealth and distance, or an emblem of divine sovereignty, Tarshish holds a special place in biblical imagination and theology.