The BibleGospel Companion

Hiram

חִירָם · chi.ram · H2438Gחוּרָם · chu.ram · H2361G“exaltation of life; a destroyer” Hitchcock's 186923 mentions in 4 books, most in 1 Kings (14)
Illustration — not a likeness; generated for Gospel Companion in the app's painting style — Hiram
Illustration — not a likeness; generated for Gospel Companion in the app's painting style

Who he was

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 (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Chronicles 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 (1Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2:3–16). In exchange, Solomon provided Hiram with large quantities of wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine (1 Kings 5:11; 2 Chronicles 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 (1 Kings 9:11–14; 2 Chronicles 8:2). Their friendship and cooperation were instrumental in the growth and prosperity of both Tyre and Israel during this period.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

23 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)
2 SamuelChapter 5: 1 mention1 mention
2 Samuel 5:11Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, with cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.
1 KingsChapter 5: 8 mentionsChapter 9: 4 mentionsChapter 10: 2 mentions14 mentions
1 Kings 5:1Hiram 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 5:2Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,1 Kings 5:7When 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 5:8Hiram 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 5:10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar timber and cypress timber according to all his desire.1 Kings 5:11Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand cors of wheat for food to his household, and twenty cors of pure oil. Solomon gave this to Hiram year by year.1 Kings 5:12Yahweh gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.1 Kings 5:18Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.1 Kings 9:11(now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and cypress trees, and with gold, according to all his desire), King Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of…1 Kings 9:12Hiram came out of Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they didn’t please him.1 Kings 9:14Hiram sent to the king one hundred twenty talents of gold.1 Kings 9:27Hiram sent in the fleet his servants, sailors who had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon.1 Kings 10:11The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious stones.1 Kings 10:22For the king had a fleet of ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet. Once every three years the fleet of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
1 ChroniclesChapter 14: 1 mention1 mention
1 Chronicles 14:1Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees, masons, and carpenters, to build him a house.
2 ChroniclesChapter 2: 3 mentionsChapter 8: 2 mentionsChapter 9: 2 mentions7 mentions
2 Chronicles 2:3Solomon 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 2:11Then 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 2:12Huram 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…2 Chronicles 8:2Solomon built the cities which Huram had given to Solomon, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.2 Chronicles 8:18Huram 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…2 Chronicles 9:10The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones.2 Chronicles 9:21For the king had ships that went to Tarshish with Huram’s servants. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

What the dictionary says

High-born.

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources