📖 Biblical Definition
Tarshish was a distant port — most likely Tartessos in southern Spain — representing the farthest known west of the ancient Mediterranean world. It was famous for silver, iron, tin, and lead (Ezekiel 27:12), and "ships of Tarshish" were the great seagoing merchant vessels Solomon’s fleet was built on (1 Kings 10:22). Jonah famously fled toward Tarshish to escape the call to Nineveh — toward the western horizon, the opposite direction (Jonah 1:3) — only to be overtaken by storm. Tarshish in Scripture is the symbol of the far country to which the rebellious soul runs, and from which the LORD draws His people back. Psalm 72:10 prophesies the kings of Tarshish bringing tribute to Messiah.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Tarshish — a far western seaport; a symbol of distant flight.
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Tarshish was reckoned the farthest commercial reach of Phoenician and Israelite shipping. Solomon's navy and Hiram's fleet brought silver, iron, tin, and lead from Tarshish once every three years.
📖 Key Scripture
Jonah 1:3 — "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD."
1 Kings 10:22 — "The king had at sea a navy of Tharshish... bringing gold, and silver."
Isaiah 60:9 — "The ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far."
Psalm 48:7 — "Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Forgotten as a real place; Jonah's flight reduced to a fish story.
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Children's Bibles render Jonah as a whale tale, omitting that Tarshish was a deliberate choice — the farthest port from the call. Jonah did not run blindly; he bought a ticket to the opposite end of the known world.
Every disobedient saint has a Tarshish bookmarked in his heart. The question is whether the storm will come before the ticket is purchased or after.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Tarshish — a distant maritime destination, perhaps Tartessos.
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H8659 — Tarshish — a place name; a precious stone
H1272 — barach — to flee, run away
H591 — 'oniyah — ship, vessel
Usage
"When God says Nineveh, do not buy a ticket to Tarshish."
"The ships of Tarshish bring tribute — or carry runaways."
"Every prophet knows where his Tarshish is."