Hiram, the king of Tyre, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative concerning the construction of Solomon's Temple. His interactions with King Solomon are detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his response and subsequent agreement with Solomon highlight the cooperation between Israel and its neighboring states during the united monarchy period.

Background

Hiram was a contemporary of both King David and King Solomon. He had established a friendly relationship with David, providing materials and craftsmen for the construction of David's palace (2 Samuel 5:11). This alliance set the stage for Hiram's later interactions with Solomon.

Solomon's Request

Upon ascending to the throne, Solomon sought to fulfill his father David's desire to build a temple for the Lord. Recognizing the need for quality materials and skilled labor, Solomon reached out to Hiram. In 1 Kings 5:2-6, Solomon sends a message to Hiram, acknowledging the expertise of the Sidonians in timber work and requesting cedar and cypress logs from Lebanon. Solomon's request was not only for materials but also for Hiram's skilled laborers to assist in the project.

Hiram's Response

Hiram's response to Solomon is recorded in 1 Kings 5:7-9. Upon receiving Solomon's message, Hiram rejoices and praises the Lord for giving David a wise son to rule over Israel. Hiram's acknowledgment of the Lord's role in Solomon's wisdom reflects a recognition of Israel's God, which is significant given Hiram's own religious background. He agrees to Solomon's request, stating, "I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber" (1 Kings 5:8).

The Agreement

The agreement between Hiram and Solomon is further detailed in 1 Kings 5:10-12. Hiram supplies Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he desires, and in return, Solomon provides Hiram with wheat and olive oil for his household. This exchange underscores the mutually beneficial nature of their agreement and the peaceful relations between their kingdoms. The passage notes, "The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty" (1 Kings 5:12).

Significance

Hiram's response and agreement with Solomon are significant for several reasons. First, they demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Second, the cooperation between Israel and Tyre illustrates the broader geopolitical relationships of the time, where trade and alliances were crucial for national prosperity. Lastly, Hiram's acknowledgment of the Lord's role in Solomon's wisdom suggests a recognition of the divine favor upon Israel, which had implications for Israel's witness to surrounding nations.

Related Passages

The account of Hiram's involvement in the temple construction is also found in 2 Chronicles 2:3-16, where additional details of the correspondence and agreement are provided. This passage reiterates the mutual respect and cooperation between the two kings and highlights the logistical and diplomatic efforts involved in such a large-scale project.