“Tarshish ships” or “ships of Tarshish” refer to large, seafaring vessels used for long-distance trade, often associated with great wealth and international commerce in the Old Testament. The term may refer either to ships bound for the distant land of Tarshish or to a class of ships capable of such voyages.
1 Kings 10:22 describes the role of these ships in Solomon’s trading fleet:
“For the king had merchant ships at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years the merchant ships came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and monkeys.”
These were impressive vessels that undertook long expeditions and returned with exotic goods, contributing to the vast wealth of Solomon’s kingdom. The phrase “ships of Tarshish” is used generically to describe ships of great capacity and strength. Isaiah 2:16 refers to them poetically:
“Upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all the beautiful sloops…”
Tarshish itself was likely a distant trading port (possibly in modern-day Spain) known for its resources. Jonah attempted to flee to Tarshish by ship, emphasizing its far-off location. Jonah 1:3 says:
“But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord… he found a ship going to Tarshish…”
In Isaiah 60:9 and Psalm 72:10, ships of Tarshish are connected to end-times prophecy and the gathering of wealth and nations to honor the Lord, suggesting that these ships symbolize international commerce and submission to God’s kingdom.
Ultimately, ships of Tarshish represent global trade, the reach of ancient Israel’s influence under kings like Solomon, and the broader biblical theme of nations bringing their glory to the Lord.
