The Island Tarshish

The exact historical and geographical identity of Tarshish has been a subject of debate among scholars. Some of the proposed locations include:

• Tartessos in Southern Spain: This is a widely accepted theory due to references of long sea voyages and trade in metals like silver and tin, which were abundant in ancient Spain.
• Carthage in North Africa: Some suggest this due to Carthage’s prominence as a maritime power.
• Locations in the Eastern Mediterranean or Anatolia: Based on different textual analyses and archaeological findings.

Regardless of its precise location, Tarshish is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a distant, wealthy, and influential place, significant in maritime trade and symbolic of the far reaches of the known world during biblical times.

“The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.”

Genesis 10:4

Context: In this verse, Tarshish is listed as one of the descendants of Javan, who was a son of Japheth, Noah’s son. This establishes Tarshish as a patriarchal figure and suggests the founding of a nation or region associated with his name.

2. 1 Kings 10:22

“For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.”

1 Kings 10:22

Context: This passage describes King Solomon’s extensive trade network. The “ships of Tarshish” indicate large, sea-going vessels capable of long voyages, bringing wealth and exotic goods, signifying prosperity and international trade relations during Solomon’s reign.

“For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came, bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.”

2 Chronicles 9:21

Context: Similar to the account in 1 Kings, this verse emphasizes the wealth and trade connections of King Solomon, highlighting the importance and richness associated with Tarshish.

“May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.”

Psalm 72:10

Context: This psalm, attributed to Solomon, expresses a prayer for the king’s dominion and the respect of foreign nations. Tarshish here represents distant lands and powerful kingdoms acknowledging and honoring the king’s authority through gifts and tributes.

“The oracle concerning Tyre. Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor! From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them.”

Isaiah 23:1

Context: The prophet Isaiah proclaims judgment against Tyre, a prominent trading city. The “ships of Tarshish” symbolize the merchants and trade routes that will mourn the fall of Tyre, indicating economic loss and disruption.

“I will set a sign among them, and I will send survivors from them to the nations: to Tarshish, Put, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

Isaiah 66:19

Context: In this prophetic vision, God declares that His glory will be proclaimed even to the distant nations, including Tarshish, symbolizing the universal reach of His message and salvation.

“Tarshish did business with you because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise.”

Ezekiel 27:12

Context: The prophet Ezekiel addresses the city of Tyre, listing its numerous trade partners. Tarshish is noted for trading valuable metals, indicating its economic significance and resource richness.

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Yahweh. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of Yahweh.”

Jonah 1:3

Context: In this well-known narrative, the prophet Jonah attempts to escape God’s command by fleeing to Tarshish, which is thought to represent the farthest known location west of Israel at the time, possibly corresponding to a region in modern-day Spain. This underscores Jonah’s desire to go as far away as possible from his divine mission.

“And he prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.'”

Jonah 4:2

Context: Here, Jonah explains his original motive for fleeing to Tarshish, acknowledging God’s merciful nature. This reiterates the significance of Tarshish as a distant refuge in Jonah’s mind.

“Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your host to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?'”

Ezekiel 38:13

Context: In a prophecy concerning Gog and Magog, Tarshish is mentioned alongside other nations questioning the intent of a great invading force, indicating its continued prominence and engagement in international affairs.

All verses containing Tarshish

Book and Verse	Context/Description	Verse
Genesis 10:4	Tarshish is mentioned as one of the sons of Javan, a descendant of Noah, linking it to the ancient peoples of the Mediterranean.	“The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.”
1 Kings 10:22	Describes King Solomon’s fleet that brought back wealth from Tarshish every three years, including gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.	“For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.”
1 Kings 22:48	Mentions King Jehoshaphat’s attempt to build ships to go to Tarshish, but they were wrecked at Ezion-Geber.	“Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-Geber.”
2 Chronicles 9:21	Similar to 1 Kings 10:22, describes Solomon’s fleet bringing back wealth from Tarshish.	“For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Every three years the ships of Tarshish used to come bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.”
2 Chronicles 20:36-37	Refers to Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah to build ships to go to Tarshish, but God disapproves and the ships are wrecked.	“He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-Geber. Then Eliezer…prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.’ And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.”
Esther 1:14	Lists Tarshish as one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to King Ahasuerus, though this reference may be a different Tarshish.	“The men next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom.”
Psalms 48:7	Mentions the breaking of the ships of Tarshish by a powerful east wind as a symbol of divine intervention.	“By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.”
Psalms 72:10	Refers to kings of Tarshish bringing gifts to King Solomon, indicating Tarshish’s wealth and distance.	“May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”
Isaiah 2:16	Prophecies against all ships of Tarshish, symbolizing the judgment against wealth and pride.	“against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.”
Isaiah 23:1	A lamentation for Tyre, referring to the ships of Tarshish as the trading ships of Tyre.	“The oracle concerning Tyre. Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor!”
Isaiah 23:6	Calls for the inhabitants of Tyre to flee to Tarshish, indicating a close connection between the two cities.	“Cross over to Tarshish; wail, O inhabitants of the coast!”
Isaiah 23:10	Urges Tarshish to expand its trade due to Tyre’s downfall.	“Overflow your land like the Nile, O daughter of Tarshish; there is no restraint anymore.”
Isaiah 60:9	Refers to the ships of Tarshish bringing the wealth of nations to Zion, symbolizing prosperity and restoration.	“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.”
Jeremiah 10:9	Describes the wealth of Tarshish as part of the critique of idolatry, mentioning silver from Tarshish.	“Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz.”
Ezekiel 27:12	Describes Tyre’s trade with Tarshish, highlighting the wealth of Tarshish in metals like silver, iron, tin, and lead.	“Tarshish did business with you because of your great wealth of every kind; silver, iron, tin, and lead they exchanged for your wares.”
Ezekiel 27:25	Mentions the ships of Tarshish as part of the fleet of Tyre, signifying the extensive maritime trade network.	“The ships of Tarshish traveled for you with your merchandise. So you were filled and heavily laden in the heart of the seas.”
Ezekiel 38:13	Mentions the merchants of Tarshish and its young lions as participants in the trading and alliances of the nations.	“Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil?'”
Jonah 1:3	Jonah attempts to flee from God’s command by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish, symbolizing the farthest possible destination away from Nineveh.	“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 down into it.”
Jonah 4:2	Jonah references his earlier flight to Tarshish, revealing his reluctance to follow God’s command due to his knowledge of God’s mercy.	“That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”

Before the Bible was written, the trade networks of the ancient world were extensive, reaching across continents. The items listed in 2 Chronicles 9:21—gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys—could have come from various regions, particularly those with rich natural resources and established trade routes.

1. India and South Asia

• Gold: India was known for its gold, mined and traded extensively.
• Ivory: Indian elephants were a primary source of ivory.
• Apes and Monkeys: Various species of apes and monkeys are native to South Asia, making India and its surrounding regions a likely source.
• Peacocks: If translated as peacocks, India is the native land of these birds, and they were highly valued in ancient trade.

2. Africa (especially East Africa)

• Gold: Africa, particularly regions such as Nubia (modern-day Sudan) and Ethiopia, was known for its gold mines.
• Ivory: African elephants provided a significant source of ivory. East Africa, in particular, was famous for its ivory trade.
• Apes: Africa, especially central and western regions, is home to several species of apes, including chimpanzees and gorillas.
• Monkeys: Numerous species of monkeys are native to Africa, contributing to their export in ancient times.

3. Arabian Peninsula and the Near East

• Gold and Silver: The Arabian Peninsula and the regions of Mesopotamia had access to gold and silver through both mining and trade routes.
• Ivory: While less common than in Africa or India, the Arabian trade routes connected to Africa and India could facilitate the trade of ivory.
• Exotic Animals: Through extensive trade networks, Arabian merchants could have imported apes, monkeys, and other exotic animals from Africa and India.

4. Southeast Asia

• Gold: Southeast Asia, including regions like modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia, had sources of gold.
• Ivory: Southeast Asia, with its native elephant species, was also a source of ivory.
• Apes and Monkeys: The dense forests of Southeast Asia are home to various species of apes and monkeys, making it a plausible source.

5. Southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa

• Gold and Silver: The region, including modern-day Yemen and the Horn of Africa, was involved in trade that included precious metals.
• Ivory and Exotic Animals: This area had strong trade links with both Africa and India, making it a likely intermediary for the trade of ivory, apes, and other exotic goods.

The idea that the mention of “once every three years” in 2 Chronicles 9:21 could indicate a journey time of 18 months each way by boat is a reasonable interpretation, particularly when considering the logistics of ancient maritime trade.

Considerations for the 18-Month Voyage Theory:

1. Ancient Maritime Capabilities:
   • In ancient times, long-distance sea voyages were complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning, favorable weather conditions, and stops for resupply. A round trip of three years could feasibly include 18 months of travel in each direction, with the remaining time spent in trade, loading, and unloading cargo, and waiting for optimal sailing conditions.
2. Trade Routes and Distance:
   • If Tarshish (or the location associated with the goods from Tarshish) was as distant as some scholars suggest—potentially in the western Mediterranean (like Tartessos in Spain) or even connected to far-reaching trade networks extending to India or East Africa—an 18-month journey each way becomes plausible. This would account for the great distances involved, the limitations of ancient ships, and the necessity of stopping at various ports along the way.
3. Seasonal Sailing:
   • Ancient sailors had to account for the monsoon winds, especially if the route involved the Indian Ocean. The timing of these winds would have been critical, potentially dictating a large part of the travel schedule, leading to extended wait times and contributing to the overall length of the journey.
4. Complex Trade Networks:
   • The three-year cycle might also reflect the time needed to navigate complex trade networks. Merchant ships often did not travel directly from one point to another; instead, they made multiple stops to trade goods, which would have extended the journey. This was especially true for luxury items like gold, silver, ivory, and exotic animals, which might have been sourced from different regions.

During the age of European colonization and the operation of trading companies like the Dutch East India Company (VOC), several trading routes could take up to three years to complete a round trip. These long voyages were necessary due to the vast distances, the need to navigate around entire continents, and the time required for trade negotiations and loading cargo. Below are some key examples of trading routes that typically took around three years:

1. Portuguese India Route (Carreira da Índia)

• Route: This was the maritime route from Lisbon, Portugal, to Goa, India, and sometimes further east to Southeast Asia or Japan.
• Duration: A round trip could take between two and three years.
• Itinerary:
  • Depart from Lisbon, sail down the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Cross the Indian Ocean to reach Goa, a major Portuguese colony and trading center in India.
  • Further voyages could extend to Southeast Asia (Malacca, Macau) or Japan.
• Challenges: The Carreira da Índia was known for its length and the hazards of rounding the Cape of Good Hope. The return voyage required waiting for favorable winds, often delaying the journey further.

2. Spanish Manila Galleon Route

• Route: This was the trade route between Acapulco, Mexico, and Manila, Philippines, across the Pacific Ocean.
• Duration: Each leg of the journey could take six months to a year, and the entire round trip, including time spent in Manila, could take around two to three years.
• Itinerary:
  • Depart from Acapulco, cross the Pacific Ocean to Manila.
  • The galleons carried silver from the New World to trade for spices, silks, and other goods in Asia.
  • The return trip to Acapulco involved a long and perilous journey across the Pacific.
• Challenges: The crossing of the vast Pacific Ocean was arduous and fraught with dangers such as storms, piracy, and scurvy. Ships often stayed in Manila for extended periods to secure cargoes and prepare for the return trip.

Factors Affecting Voyage Duration:

• Seasonal Winds and Monsoons: Many of these routes depended on the timing of monsoon winds, particularly in the Indian Ocean, which could delay departure or extend the stay at a trading post.
• Trading Negotiations: Extended negotiations, loading of cargo, and local political situations could delay the ships.
• Resupply Stops: Ships needed to stop at multiple ports along the way for fresh water, food, and repairs, adding to the overall time.

In summary, routes like those of the VOC from Europe to the East Indies, the Portuguese India Route, and the Spanish Manila Galleon Route often took around three years to complete, considering the distance, the need for favorable winds, and the complexities of early modern maritime trade.