Isaiah 2:16
And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
of Tarshish
H8659
תַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ
of Tarshish
Strong's:
H8659
Word #:
4 of 8
tarshish, a place on the mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a persian and of an i
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
1 Kings 10:22For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.Isaiah 23:1The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
Historical Context
Tarshish (likely southern Spain) represented the western extremity of ancient trade. Solomon's Tarshish fleet (1 Kings 10:22) brought exotic wealth, symbolizing international commerce and prestige.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we make idols of economic success or business achievement?
- What does judgment on 'ships of Tarshish' teach about the temporal nature of commercial enterprise?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ships of Tarshish—long-distance trading vessels—symbolize commercial enterprise and economic pride. 'Pleasant pictures' (or 'beautiful craft') may reference ornate decorations or the ships themselves as objects of aesthetic pride. Divine judgment targets even human ingenuity and beauty when these become sources of self-glory. This anticipates Revelation 18's lament over Babylon's commercial fall, demonstrating that economic achievement apart from God is ultimately vanity.