Who Was Tarshish in the Bible?

Tarshish: A Name Rooted in the Genealogy of the Nations

The name Tarshish appears in the Bible in two distinct genealogical contexts, representing two different individuals or groups. One Tarshish is listed as a descendant of Javan, the son of Japheth, who was one of Noah’s three sons. The other Tarshish is mentioned as a descendant of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. Both references provide insights into the early formation of nations and tribes as recorded in the Scriptures, and they carry theological significance that can still speak to us today.

Tarshish: A Descendant of Javan and Noah

The first mention of Tarshish is found in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:4 and is repeated in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 1:7. This Tarshish is listed as one of the sons of Javan, who himself was a son of Japheth, the son of Noah:

“The sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.” (Genesis 10:4, ESV)

The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 is significant because it traces the spread of Noah’s descendants after the Flood, showing how different people groups and nations were formed. Javan’s descendants, including Tarshish, are traditionally understood to have settled in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the areas known today as Greece and parts of Asia Minor. The name Tarshish in this context is likely associated with a maritime people or region known for trade, and the name itself is often linked to the distant and wealthy region mentioned elsewhere in the Bible.

Tarshish: A Descendant of Benjamin

Another Tarshish is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:10, where he is listed as a descendant of Benjamin:

“The son of Jediael: Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar.” (1 Chronicles 7:10, ESV)

This genealogical record places Tarshish within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel, producing notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul. This Tarshish, therefore, is part of the broader narrative of God’s covenant people and their development as a nation.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

The Importance of Genealogy and Heritage

The mention of Tarshish in these genealogies underscores the importance of genealogy and heritage in the biblical narrative. In the Bible, genealogies are not just lists of names; they serve to connect individuals and groups to the larger story of God’s work in the world. For modern Christians, these genealogies remind us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and the lineage of faith that we are a part of.

Just as Tarshish was connected to the broader narrative of God’s covenant with Noah and with Israel, we too are connected to a lineage of faith that stretches back through the generations. This should inspire us to honor the faith of those who have gone before us and to consider how we are passing on that faith to future generations.

God’s Sovereignty in the Nations

The genealogical reference to Tarshish as a descendant of Javan points to the sovereignty of God over all nations. The Table of Nations in Genesis 10 illustrates how God is at work in the formation of nations and peoples, guiding history according to His purposes. This reminds us that God is sovereign over the entire world, not just over Israel or the church, but over all nations and peoples.

For modern Christians, this understanding should shape our view of global events and our role in the world. We are called to be a part of God’s mission to all nations, recognizing that He is at work everywhere, drawing people to Himself from every tribe, language, and nation. Our mission as Christians is to participate in this global work, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people.

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Faithfulness Across Generations

The inclusion of Tarshish in the genealogies of both Javan and Benjamin highlights God’s faithfulness across generations. Whether in the broader context of the nations descended from Noah or within the specific context of Israel’s tribes, God’s faithfulness is evident in the way He has preserved and guided His people throughout history.

This faithfulness is a source of encouragement for us today. Just as God was faithful to the descendants of Noah and to the tribe of Benjamin, He is faithful to us. We can trust that God is working in our lives and in our families, guiding us according to His purposes and promises.

God’s Personal Care for His People

The mention of Tarshish as a descendant of Benjamin also reflects God’s personal care for His people. The genealogies in the Bible show that God knows each person by name and cares about their place in His plan. This personal care extends to every believer today. God knows us intimately, cares about the details of our lives, and includes us in His grand narrative of redemption.

This connection to a loving God is deeply reassuring. It reminds us that we are not just anonymous individuals in a vast world, but that we are known and loved by the Creator. God’s care for Tarshish and his descendants is a reflection of His care for each of us.

Connection to Jesus Christ

Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promises

The genealogies in the Bible, including the mentions of Tarshish, ultimately point forward to Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God’s promises to humanity. The lineages of Noah, Javan, and Benjamin all find their ultimate purpose in the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, the one through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed (Genesis 12:3).

For Christians, this connection to Jesus is central to our faith. We see in these genealogies the faithfulness of God to His covenant, culminating in the birth of Jesus. Tarshish’s place in these genealogies, though seemingly small, is part of the larger story of God’s salvation plan for the world. As believers, we are connected to this same story, and through faith in Christ, we share in the blessings of His redemptive work.

Our Role in God’s Redemptive Plan

The genealogies that include Tarshish remind us that, like him, we are part of God’s ongoing redemptive plan. Just as Tarshish was connected to the formation of nations and the development of Israel, we are connected to the mission of God’s people today. Through our faith in Christ, we are called to be agents of God’s kingdom, participating in His work of redemption in the world.

This calling challenges us to live faithfully, knowing that our lives are part of a much larger story. We are called to bear witness to the truth of the gospel, to make disciples of all nations, and to live in a way that reflects the hope and redemption that we have in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Tarshish, though a relatively minor figure in the Bible, is connected to significant themes of genealogy, heritage, and God’s sovereignty. As a descendant of Javan and of Benjamin, Tarshish is part of the broader narrative of God’s work in the world, pointing us to the importance of understanding our place in God’s plan.

For modern Christians, the story of Tarshish encourages us to recognize our spiritual heritage, to trust in God’s faithfulness across generations, and to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. As we reflect on the significance of Tarshish, we are reminded that each of us has a role to play in God’s unfolding story of salvation, and that our lives are part of the grand narrative of God’s love and redemption.