Lexical Summary mischar: Merchandise, trade, commerce Original Word: מִסְחָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance traffic From cachar; trade -- traffic. see HEBREW cachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sachar Definition probably merchandise NASB Translation wares (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִסְחָר] noun masculine apparently merchandise; — construct מִסְחַר הָרֹכְלִים 1 Kings 10:15, but text probably corrupt; Klo proposes מִסַּחַר, so BuhlLex 13; "" 2 Chronicles 9:14 has הַסֹּחֲרִים, and so Benz here (for both words of MT). Topical Lexicon General OverviewThe noun denotes commercial exchange—trade, traffic, or revenue derived from it. Scripture portrays trade as a legitimate human activity that must remain subject to God’s moral order, serving neighbor love rather than greed. Biblical Occurrence 1 Kings 10:15 is the only instance: Solomon received “revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land” (Berean Standard Bible). The term thus frames the king’s income as the product of organized, large-scale commerce. Historical Context Solomon’s reign enjoyed unparalleled stability. Strategic alliances, fortified store-cities, and a fleet based at Ezion-geber opened overland and maritime routes linking Arabia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. Archaeological finds of stables, smelting sites, and administrative complexes from this era align with the biblical picture of flourishing trade (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:22). מִסְחָר captures the economic engine that financed the temple, royal palace, and Jerusalem’s growing influence (1 Kings 10:4-9). Theology of Commerce 1. Divine ownership, human stewardship (Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18). Ministry Implications • Vocation: Business can manifest godly diligence and fairness (Proverbs 31:16-19; Ephesians 4:28). Warning Parallels Ezekiel’s lament over Tyre and Revelation’s fall of Babylon expose the moral bankruptcy of commerce divorced from righteousness (Ezekiel 27–28; Revelation 18:11-17). Christological Fulfillment The Magi’s gifts (Matthew 2:11) and the nations’ treasures in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24-26) show trade ultimately subordinated to Christ’s glory. In that consummation, commerce serves worship, purified of exploitation. Related Terms • סָחַר (sachar)—to trade (Genesis 34:10). Summary מִסְחָר spotlights the prosperity of Solomon’s kingdom and invites reflection on commerce within God’s design. Handled in reverence and justice, trade channels divine blessing; pursued in self-interest, it leads to ruin. Scripture urges believers to steward wealth for the Lord while anticipating the day when all economic activity will redound to His praise. Forms and Transliterations וּמִסְחַ֖ר ומסחר ū·mis·ḥar umisChar ūmisḥarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 10:15 HEB: מֵאַנְשֵׁ֣י הַתָּרִ֔ים וּמִסְחַ֖ר הָרֹכְלִ֑ים וְכָל־ NAS: [that] from the traders and the wares of the merchants KJV: Beside [that he had] of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, INT: he Tokahath and the wares of the merchants and all 1 Occurrence |
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