How Trade Worked in Ancient Times: A Biblical Perspective
“And the men of Israel said, ‘Why has this trouble come upon us? And they said, ‘Because we sold our brother Joseph for a price, and we are being repaid for our sin.’” – Genesis 42:21
In the days of the ancients, long before the great empires of today, trade was the lifeblood of civilization. The Bible, rich with stories of kings, prophets, and wanderers, gives us a glimpse into the trading practices that flourished in the ancient world. From the bustling marketplaces of Jerusalem to the trade routes that connected distant kingdoms, the exchange of goods was essential to survival, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes. Through the lens of the Bible, we can learn not only about the practicalities of ancient commerce but also about the moral and spiritual lessons that trade can teach us.
1. The Role of Trade in the Early Days: From Cain to Abraham
The story of humanity’s earliest days speaks of the foundational work of trade. Even in the time of Cain and Abel, the concept of offering something of value—be it an offering to God or a gift to another—was central to the biblical narrative. Cain’s offering of produce and Abel’s offering of the firstborn of his flock (Genesis 4:3-5) can be seen as a precursor to the exchange of goods in the marketplace. While not a trade in the traditional sense, this offering foreshadowed the later exchanges that would become commonplace.
As Abraham journeyed through the lands promised to him by God, we see how trade grew in importance. Abraham himself became wealthy in cattle, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2), which he could trade or use as currency in his dealings. He was able to make bargains, not only for land but also for goods and services. The very act of Abraham purchasing a plot of land, the cave of Machpelah, where he buried Sarah, underscores the significance of transactions in establishing ownership and ensuring the continuation of the family line (Genesis 23:17-20).
2. Joseph and the Merchants: A Tale of Trade and Betrayal
One of the most well-known stories involving trade in the Bible is that of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph was transported by traders to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). The traders in question were likely part of a long-standing tradition of commerce, traveling with goods such as spices, myrrh, and balm—products of high value in the ancient world. These items were highly sought after by wealthy traders and royalty alike.
Joseph’s story unfolds with him rising to power in Egypt and managing the nation’s food supply during a severe famine. As a result of his foresight, people from all over the surrounding regions, including his own brothers, came to Egypt to trade goods for grain (Genesis 42:1-3). This shows how ancient economies were deeply interconnected, with the movement of goods across borders, sometimes driven by necessity, like the famine in the time of Joseph.
In this way, trade in the ancient world often transcended simple transactions. It was woven into the larger narrative of survival, family dynamics, and divine intervention.
3. Trade in Ancient Israel: A Nation of Farmers and Merchants
As Israel settled into the Promised Land, trade continued to be an integral part of daily life. The tribes of Israel were primarily agricultural, raising sheep, goats, and cattle for food and clothing. However, trade extended beyond the borders of Israel, involving goods like wine, oil, and grain. Israel’s proximity to the great civilizations of Egypt, Phoenicia, and Mesopotamia made it a crossroads of commerce. As seen in the biblical stories, Israel had access to many valuable goods, such as cedar wood (from Lebanon), precious stones, and gold.
In 1 Kings 10, King Solomon entered into alliances with the neighboring kingdom of Tyre, a Phoenician city-state, to procure goods for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s merchant ships traveled far and wide, bringing back rare and exotic items. His partnership with the Phoenician king, Hiram of Tyre, enabled the exchange of not only materials but also knowledge and culture. This trade was not only a matter of survival but also a symbol of Israel’s prosperity under God’s blessing.
“Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, besides that which the explorers and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.” – 1 Kings 10:14-15
The trade in wealth, especially in gold and spices, highlights the flourishing economy under Solomon’s reign. Solomon’s wealth also came from tribute—a form of trade wherein surrounding nations sent goods to demonstrate allegiance or gratitude.
4. Trade in the Time of the Prophets: A Warning Against Greed
While trade was essential for prosperity, the prophets of Israel often warned against the corrupting influence of greed and dishonesty in commerce. The Bible, especially in the books of the prophets, includes numerous admonitions against dishonest scales and unfair business practices. In Amos 8:5, the prophet speaks against those who “make the ephah small and the shekel great, and falsify the balances by deceit.”
This speaks to a practice where merchants used false weights and measures to deceive buyers, taking advantage of their customers’ trust. It was a grave offense in the eyes of God, as He had commanded fairness and honesty in all dealings.
“You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure.” – Leviticus 19:35-36
5. The New Testament: Commerce in the Roman Empire
By the time of the New Testament, Israel was under Roman occupation, and the landscape of trade had shifted. The Roman Empire’s vast network of roads and ports made it easier to trade goods across the empire. Coins became the primary currency, and marketplaces flourished in cities like Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome. The Romans used coinage to facilitate trade, and the denarius (a silver coin) was widely used throughout the empire.
In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus drove the money changers out of the Temple in Jerusalem, criticizing them for turning a place of worship into a marketplace.
“It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” – Matthew 21:13
Jesus’ condemnation of the money changers is a reflection of the deep connection between commerce, ethics, and spiritual life in the ancient world. While trade was necessary for daily survival, the exploitation and corruption that could accompany it were seen as sins, particularly in sacred spaces.
6. The Legacy of Ancient Trade: Lessons for Today
The biblical narratives surrounding trade offer timeless lessons for today’s merchants and business people:
- Integrity in Trade: The Bible emphasizes the importance of honesty and fairness in all transactions, reminding us that integrity matters as much in commerce as in other aspects of life.
- Interconnectedness of Nations: The global trade networks of the ancient world, illustrated by the travels of merchants and kings, show that trade has always been a force that connects nations, cultures, and peoples.
- Wealth and Responsibility: The Bible teaches that wealth should not be an end in itself but a means to fulfill God’s purposes. Prosperity comes with the responsibility of helping others and managing resources wisely.
- Spiritual Significance: Trade, when done justly, can serve as a form of service to God’s people, providing for their needs and contributing to the common good.
7. The Eternal Trade of Trust
In ancient times, trade was much more than the exchange of goods; it was a way of building relationships, securing survival, and fulfilling the will of God. Through honest transactions and fair dealing, the early people of God learned how to live in harmony with one another and with the world around them.
The Bible’s teachings about trade remind us that, whether in ancient marketplaces or modern business settings, our interactions with others should always be guided by fairness, honesty, and a heart of service.