Hiram חִירָם
King of Tyre, ally of David and Solomon.
Biography
Hiram, also known as Huram, was the king of Tyre, a Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast north of Israel. He is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in connection with his alliances with King David and King Solomon of Israel.
During David's reign, Hiram sent envoys to David and provided him with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons to build his palace (2Sa.5.11; 1Ch.14.1). This gesture demonstrated the friendly relationship between Tyre and Israel and Hiram's recognition of David's growing power and influence in the region.
Hiram's alliance with Israel continued during the reign of Solomon, David's son. He played a significant role in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by supplying Solomon with cedar and cypress logs, as well as skilled craftsmen (1 Kings 5; 2Ch.2.3-16). In exchange, Solomon provided Hiram with large quantities of wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine (1Ki.5.11; 2Ch.2.10).
The two kings also collaborated on maritime expeditions, with Hiram sending his skilled sailors to join Solomon's fleet in voyages to Ophir, a region known for its wealth in gold and other precious items (1Ki.9.27-28; 10.11, 22; 2Ch.8.18; 9.10, 21).
In addition to their trade and construction projects, Hiram and Solomon exchanged gifts and engaged in diplomatic relations (1Ki.9.11-14; 2Ch.8.2). Their friendship and cooperation were instrumental in the growth and prosperity of both Tyre and Israel during this period.
In Scripture
4 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 5:11
"Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house."
1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 5:1
"Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the place of his father, and Hiram had always loved David."
- 1 Kings 5:2
"Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,"
- 1 Kings 5:7
"When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed is Yahweh today, who has given to David a wise son to rule over this great people.”"
- 1 Kings 5:8
"Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message which you have sent to me. I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning cypress timber."
- 1 Kings 5:10
"So Hiram gave Solomon cedar timber and cypress timber according to all his desire."
2 Chronicles 5 verses
- 2 Chronicles 2:3
"Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with David my father, and sent him cedars to build him a house in which to dwell, so deal with me."
- 2 Chronicles 2:11
"Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, “Because Yahweh loves his people, he has made you king over them.”"
- 2 Chronicles 2:12
"Huram continued, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who would build a house for Yahweh, and a house for his kingdom."
- 2 Chronicles 8:2
"Solomon built the cities which Huram had given to Solomon, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there."
- 2 Chronicles 8:18
"Huram sent him ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea by the hands of his servants; and they came with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and brought from there four hundred fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 14:1
"Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חִירָם | H2438G |
| Named | Hebrew | חוּרָם | H2361G |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | חוּרָם | H2361G |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | חוּרָם | H2361G |