Hiram

חִירָם

“Noble brother or exalted”

Summary

King of Tyre who maintained friendly relations with both David and Solomon, providing materials and craftsmen for building projects including the temple.

☩Alliance with David and Solomon

Hiram king of Tyre sent craftsmen and cedar timber to build David's palace (2 Samuel 5:11). This friendship continued with Solomon, whom Hiram supplied with timber, gold, and skilled workers for temple construction (1 Kings 5:1-12; 2 Chronicles 2:3-16). In return, Solomon gave Hiram twenty towns in Galilee, though Hiram was dissatisfied with them (1 Kings 9:11-13).

☩Commercial Partnership

Hiram and Solomon jointly operated a fleet of ships from Ezion-geber, trading with Ophir and bringing back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:22). This maritime venture brought great wealth to Israel during Solomon's reign.

Related Verses23 mentions

1 Kings· 18 verses

5:1 5:2 5:7 5:8 5:10

2 Chronicles· 3 verses

2:3 2:13 4:11

2 Samuel· 1 verse

5:11

1 Chronicles· 1 verse

14:1

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hiram," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).