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Tarshish was an ancient city or region across the Mediterranean Sea from Israel, although its exact location is unknown. In the Bible, Tarshish was named as a source of King Solomon's great wealth in metals, and it was also the destination of Jonah’s boat when he fled from God.
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Fleeing to Tarshish
TANAKH
Jonah's attempt to flee from God's command by traveling to Tarshish is a dramatic and relatable story of human resistance to divine will. The Book of Jonah, one of the Minor Prophets, begins with Jonah's flight to Tarshish to avoid his prophetic mission, leading to a series of miraculous events.
The Wrecked Ships of Jehoshaphat
TANAKH
Jehoshaphat's ambitious maritime venture to acquire gold through his Tarshish ships ended in failure, underscoring the risks of ancient seafaring. The Book of Kings I recounts the construction of these ships and their subsequent wrecking at Ezion-geber.
The Idols of Tarshish
COMMENTARY
The import of precious metals from Tarshish to fashion idols highlights the irony of investing in lifeless objects despite their artistic value. The Book of Jeremiah critiques the Israelites for their idolatry, emphasizing the futility of worshipping beautifully crafted but lifeless idols.
Tarshish and the Future Redemption
COMMENTARY
Wealth from various nations, including Tarshish, will sustain the Jewish people during the Messianic era. The Tze'enah Ure'enah states that nations will recognize God's goodness, and ships reminiscent of Solomon's time will bring silver and gold back to Israel, reassuring the wealthy that their riches will endure with the arrival of the Messiah.
Tribute from Tarshish
COMMENTARY
The verse from Psalms envisions a future where even distant lands like Tarshish recognize and honor a righteous Jewish king. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible offers a clear and engaging interpretation of this messianic prophecy.
Divine Justice Against Tarshish
MIDRASH
The rabbis interpreted a verse from Psalms as a prophecy of divine justice against Tarshish. The Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, a second-century halachic midrash, explains Psalm 48:8, highlighting that the future punishment of Tarshish will come through a strong east wind, as indicated in the verse: "With the east wind, You will break the ships of Tarshish."
Scenes from the Story of Jonah, Étienne Delaune, 1569
Scenes from the Story of Jonah, Étienne Delaune, 1569
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