The term “Tarsis” appears multiple times in the Bible, yet it can be somewhat elusive in terms of its exact geographic location. In Scripture, Tarsis is often mentioned in connection with maritime trade, wealth, and the distant reaches of the known world.
The name itself can evoke images of distant lands, ships, and the ancient world’s economic networks. Understanding Tarsis in the Bible—both its geographical significance and its spiritual symbolism—can provide us with deeper insights into biblical history, prophecy, and God’s purposes.
In this blog post, we will explore the references to Tarsis in the Bible, looking at its geographical context, its role in Scripture, and the lessons we can draw from the various verses where it is mentioned.
1. Genesis 10:4
“The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.”
Explanation: This verse provides one of the earliest mentions of Tarsis, listing it among the descendants of Javan, who was the son of Noah. Tarsis is identified here as one of the nations or peoples who descended from Javan, an area often associated with maritime trade. This mention is important because it establishes Tarsis as a significant place in the ancient world, connected to the lineage of Javan.
2. 1 Kings 10:22
“For the king’s ships went to Tarshish, with the servants of Huram. Every three years they returned, bringing gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.”
Explanation: In this passage, Tarsis is associated with wealth and exotic goods. King Solomon’s ships traveled to Tarsis, bringing back precious items like gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals. This shows that Tarsis was a place of great economic significance, involved in international trade with the wealth of the world flowing through it.
3. 2 Chronicles 9:21
“The king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Every three years they returned, bringing gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.”
Explanation: Similar to the previous verse in 1 Kings, this passage in 2 Chronicles highlights the trade with Tarsis during King Solomon’s reign. This consistent trade with Tarsis reinforces the idea that the region was a major hub for valuable commodities. Tarsis is portrayed as a distant and prosperous land, contributing to the wealth of Israel.
4. Jonah 1:3
“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.”
Explanation: Jonah’s attempt to flee to Tarsis represents his desire to escape God’s calling. He chose to travel to Tarsis, which was far from Israel, symbolizing his attempt to run away from God’s command to go to Nineveh. This passage highlights Tarsis as a distant and exotic place, far removed from the mission God had given Jonah.
5. Psalm 72:10
“May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”
Explanation: This verse is part of a messianic psalm, calling on the kings of distant lands—including Tarsis—to honor the king. It reflects the idea that Tarsis was a place of wealth and influence, and in the context of the psalm, it signifies the global acknowledgment of the coming Messiah’s reign.
6. Isaiah 23:1
“The oracle concerning Tyre. Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor, from the land of Cyprus; it is revealed to them.”
Explanation: In this prophecy, Tarsis is mentioned in the context of maritime trade and the downfall of Tyre. The ships of Tarsis are depicted as mourning the destruction of Tyre, indicating the interconnectedness of the ancient world’s trade networks. This verse shows Tarsis as a key player in the economic landscape of the ancient Near East.
7. Isaiah 60:9
“For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.”
Explanation: Tarsis is highlighted here as one of the regions that will contribute to the restoration of Israel in the end times. The ships of Tarsis are seen as vessels of blessing, bringing valuable resources and fulfilling God’s plan for the nation. This reflects Tarsis’ role in global trade and its future involvement in the fulfillment of God’s promises.
8. Ezekiel 27:12
“Tarshish was your trade partner because of your great wealth; they exchanged silver, iron, tin and lead for your wares.”
Explanation: In this passage, Tarsis is identified as a significant trading partner of Tyre, exchanging valuable materials like silver, iron, and tin. This verse underscores Tarsis as a prosperous and influential region, playing a central role in the ancient world’s trade networks.
9. Ezekiel 27:25
“The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. So you were filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas.”
Explanation: Tarsis’ ships are depicted as transporting merchandise to distant lands, further solidifying its role as a center of commerce and trade. This passage emphasizes the wealth and economic power of Tarsis, a place that was vital to the ancient economy.
10. Jonah 1:3-4
“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.”
Explanation: Jonah’s flight to Tarsis is a key narrative in understanding the prophet’s reluctance to obey God’s command. This event is a reminder that even in our attempts to escape God’s will, He has the power to intervene and redirect our path. Tarsis, in this context, symbolizes an attempt to escape God’s purpose.
11. Revelation 18:19
“They threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, ‘Alas, alas, for the great city, where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.'”
Explanation: This verse refers to the mourning of the merchants of the world over the fall of Babylon. The ships of the sea, including those of Tarsis, are portrayed as having benefited from Babylon’s wealth. This highlights Tarsis’ continued significance in global trade, even in the prophetic future.
12. 2 Chronicles 9:21
“For the king’s ships went to Tarshish, with the servants of Huram. Every three years they returned, bringing gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.”
Explanation: This verse repeats the theme of trade with Tarsis, highlighting the exotic goods that were exchanged. The goods brought back by the ships of Tarsis symbolize both the wealth of the region and the extent of the trade routes that connected Israel with far-off nations.
13. Ezekiel 38:13
“Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?'”
Explanation: In this passage, Tarsis is mentioned as part of the nations that will question a future invasion in the prophetic visions of Ezekiel. This highlights Tarsis as a significant power, concerned with its wealth and goods.
14. Zechariah 9:3
“Tyre has built herself a rampart and heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the mire of the streets.”
Explanation: Zechariah references the wealth of Tyre, which includes the trade goods from places like Tarsis. This imagery shows the importance of Tarsis in the ancient world’s economic systems, emphasizing its role in bringing riches to various nations.
15. Psalm 72:10
“May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”
Explanation: This verse looks forward to a time when the kings of distant lands, including Tarsis, will honor the coming Messiah. It reinforces the idea that Tarsis was a wealthy and influential region, and its involvement in bringing tribute signifies its importance in biblical prophecy.
Conclusion
Tarsis in the Bible is consistently associated with wealth, trade, and distant lands. From its early mentions in Genesis to its symbolic role in prophecy, Tarsis represents both the material prosperity of the ancient world and the global reach of God’s plan.
The verses where Tarsis is mentioned not only reflect the economic importance of this region but also provide spiritual lessons about God’s sovereignty, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the interconnectedness of nations in His plans.
As we reflect on the significance of Tarsis, we are reminded of the global scope of God’s work and how He uses even the most distant nations to fulfill His purposes.
How does the story of Tarsis inspire your faith? Share your thoughts or favorite verses in the comments below!