Tarshish, Tharshish [Tär'shish,Thär'shish] - hard or contemplation. This name is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, principally in connection with a place hard to identify. The navy and ships of Tarshish prove it to have been of maritime importance. Josephus, the Jewish historian, wrongly identified it with Tarsus (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:21; Jonah 1:3; 4:2). A grandson of Javan, grandson of Noah ( Gen. 10:4; 1 Chron. 1:7). A Benjamite, son of Bilhan, the grandson of Benjamin (1 Chron. 7:10). One of the seven highest princes of Persia who were privileged to enter the king's presence when they desired (Esther 1:14).