colony, and was the farthest western harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to
this port Jonah’s ship was about to sail from Joppa. It has well been
styled “the Peru of Tyrian adventure;” it abounded in gold and silver
mines.
It appears that this name also is used without reference to any locality.
“Ships of Tarshish” is an expression sometimes denoting simply ships
intended for a long voyage (Isaiah 23:1, 14), ships of a large size (sea-going
ships), whatever might be the port to which they sailed. Solomon’s ships
were so styled (1 Kings 10:22; 22:49).
- TARSUS the chief city of Cilicia. It was distinguished for its wealth and
for its schools of learning, in which it rivalled, nay, excelled even Athens
and Alexandria, and hence was spoken of as “no mean city.” It was the
native place of the Apostle Paul (Acts 21:39). It stood on the banks of the
river Cydnus, about 12 miles north of the Mediterranean. It is said to have
been founded by Sardanapalus, king of Assyria. It is now a filthy, ruinous
Turkish town, called Tersous. (See PAUL.) - TARTAK prince of darkness, one of the gods of the Arvites, who
colonized part of Samaria after the deportation of Israel by Shalmaneser (2
Kings 17:31). - TARTAN an Assyrian word, meaning “the commander-in-chief.” (1.) One
of Sennacherib’s messengers to Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:17). (2.) One of
Sargon’s generals (Isaiah 20:1). - TATNAI gift, a Persian governor (Hebrews pehah, i.e., “satrap;” modern
“pasha”) “on this side the river”, i.e., of the whole tract on the west of the
Euphrates. This Hebrew title pehah is given to governors of provinces
generally. It is given to Nehemiah (5:14) and to Zerubbabel (Hag. 1:1). It is
sometimes translated “captain” (1 Kings 20:24; Daniel 3:2, 3), sometimes
also “deputy” (Esther 8:9; 9:3). With others, Tatnai opposed the
rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:6); but at the command of Darius, he
assisted the Jews (6:1-13). - TAVERNS, THE THREE a place on the great “Appian Way,” about 11
miles from Rome, designed for the reception of travellers, as the name
indicates. Here Paul, on his way to Rome, was met by a band of Roman
Christians (Acts 28:15). The “Tres Tabernae was the first mansio or
mutatio, that is, halting-place for relays, from Rome, or the last on the way