The Hebrew word Tarshîysh, represented by H8659, is used to denote a place on the Mediterranean, a type of merchant vessel, and the name of both a Persian and an Israelite. It appears 28 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. The term, which also appears as Tharshish, is associated with distant lands, maritime trade, and significant wealth.
In the biblical narrative, H8659 serves several distinct functions. Geographically, it is presented as a remote destination; the prophet Jonah attempts to flee there from the presence of the LORD, boarding a ship at Joppa Jonah 1:3. This same narrative reveals Jonah's motive was his knowledge of God's gracious and merciful character Jonah 4:2. Tarshish is also identified as a center of commerce, trading in silver H3701, iron H1270, tin H913, and lead H5777 Ezekiel 27:12 and as a source for silver and gold H2091 Jeremiah 10:9. The term is also used as an epithet for large merchant vessels, the "ships of Tarshish," which transported valuable cargo like gold, silver, ivory H8143, apes H6971, and peacocks H8500 1 Kings 10:22. Lastly, Tarshish is used as a personal name for a son of Javan Genesis 10:4, a Persian prince Esther 1:14, and an Israelite from the family of Jediael 1 Chronicles 7:10.
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Tarshish:
- H591 ʼŏnîyâh (a ship): This word is frequently associated with Tarshish, often in the phrase "ships of Tarshish." These vessels were symbols of international trade and were central to prophecies concerning maritime powers (Isaiah 23:1, Psalms 48:7).
- H3220 yâm (a sea): As a distant port, Tarshish is intrinsically linked to the sea. The navy H590 of Tarshish operated "at sea" 1 Kings 10:22, and its ships were made glorious "in the midst of the seas" Ezekiel 27:25.
- H339 ʼîy (isle, country): Tarshish is often mentioned in connection with remote coastal lands or islands. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles H339 are prophesied to bring presents Psalms 72:10, and it is listed among the "isles afar off" Isaiah 66:19.
- H5503 çâchar (merchant): This term highlights the primary economic role of Tarshish. It is identified as a merchant H5503 that traded with Tyre Ezekiel 27:12, and the "merchants of Tarshish" are noted for their involvement in global commerce Ezekiel 38:13.
The theological weight of H8659 is significant, representing concepts of global reach, divine judgment, and God's sovereignty.
- The Gentile World: Tarshish often symbolizes the farthest reaches of the world, representing nations distant from Israel. It is prophesied that the ships of Tarshish will bring Israel's sons from afar Isaiah 60:9 and that the kings of Tarshish will bring presents H4503 to the anointed king Psalms 72:10, signifying the inclusion of the Gentiles.
- Worldly Pride Judged: The wealth and power embodied by the "ships of Tarshish" make them a target of divine judgment. God is depicted breaking H7665 these ships with an east wind H7307 Psalms 48:7, and judgment is declared "upon all the ships of Tarshish" as a sign of humbling human pride Isaiah 2:16.
- Futility of Fleeing God: The story of Jonah establishes Tarshish as the ultimate destination for one attempting to escape God's call. Jonah's flight "unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD" Jonah 1:3 demonstrates that no location, however remote, is beyond the reach of God's sovereignty.
In summary, H8659 Tarshîysh is a multifaceted term that refers to a person, a place, and a class of ship. It functions as a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing the wealth and pride of nations, the far corners of the earth that will one day acknowledge God, and the ultimate futility of attempting to evade the divine will. From a source of precious metals to the destination of a fleeing prophet, Tarshish consistently points to the scope of God's dominion over all creation.
TRV