Hiram חִירָם
King of Tyre, ally of David and Solomon.
Who is Hiram in the Bible?
Hiram was the king of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast, who served as a crucial ally to both King David and King Solomon of Israel. During David's reign, Hiram sent cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons to help construct the royal palace in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:11), demonstrating his recognition of David's growing power. His support became even more significant under Solomon, as Hiram provided vast quantities of cedar and cypress timber, along with skilled craftsmen, for the construction of the First Temple and Solomon's palace (1 Kings 5:1-12, 9:11). The partnership between Hiram and Israel's kings resulted in extensive trade relationships, with Hiram's ships carrying gold, precious stones, and other valuables alongside timber for these monumental building projects (1 Kings 10:11, 10:22). Hiram's significance in biblical history lies in his role as a non-Israelite ruler whose diplomatic and commercial alliance enabled the realization of Israel's most sacred religious structure and demonstrated the kingdom's international standing during its golden age.
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
"Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David."
1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 5:1
"Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David."
- 1 Kings 5:2
"And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram:"
- 1 Kings 5:7
"When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people!”"
- 1 Kings 5:8
"Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber."
- 1 Kings 5:10
"So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted,"
2 Chronicles 5 verses
- 2 Chronicles 2:3
"Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in."
- 2 Chronicles 2:11
"Then Hiram king of Tyre wrote a letter in reply to Solomon: “Because the LORD loves His people, He has set you over them as king.”"
- 2 Chronicles 2:12
"And Hiram added: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son with insight and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself."
- 2 Chronicles 8:2
"Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there."
- 2 Chronicles 8:18
"So Hiram sent him ships captained by his servants, along with crews of experienced sailors. They went with Solomon’s servants to Ophir and acquired from there 450 talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 14:1
"Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters, to build a palace for him."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חִירָם |
| Named | Hebrew | חוּרָם |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | חוּרָם |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | חוּרָם |