Hiram or Huram
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Introduction:
Hiram, also known as Huram, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the construction of Solomon's Temple. He is primarily recognized as the king of Tyre and a skilled artisan. His contributions to the building of the Temple and his relationship with King Solomon are well-documented in the Old Testament.

Hiram, King of Tyre:
Hiram, the king of Tyre, is noted for his alliance with both King David and King Solomon. His reign is characterized by a strong diplomatic relationship with Israel, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between the two nations. Hiram's cooperation with Solomon is particularly highlighted in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

1. Alliance with David:
Hiram's relationship with Israel began during the reign of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:11 , it is recorded, "Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David." This gesture signifies the beginning of a fruitful alliance, marked by mutual respect and collaboration.

2. Collaboration with Solomon:
The alliance between Hiram and Israel continued under Solomon's rule. In 1 Kings 5:1-12 , Solomon reaches out to Hiram to request materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple. Hiram responds positively, providing cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, as well as skilled workers. This collaboration is further detailed in 2 Chronicles 2:3-16 , where Hiram's role in supplying materials and expertise is emphasized.

3. Economic and Cultural Exchange:
The partnership between Hiram and Solomon extended beyond the Temple's construction. In 1 Kings 10:22 , it is noted that "the king had a fleet of trading ships at sea along with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, they would bring gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks." This indicates a robust trade relationship that enriched both kingdoms.

Hiram the Artisan:
In addition to the king of Tyre, another Hiram, often referred to as Huram, is mentioned as a master craftsman. This Hiram was instrumental in the artistic and architectural elements of the Temple.

1. Skilled Craftsman:
Hiram the artisan is described in 1 Kings 7:13-14 : "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill for all kinds of bronze work." His expertise was crucial in creating the intricate bronze work for the Temple, including the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, the Sea, and various other furnishings.

2. Contribution to the Temple:
The detailed account of Hiram's work is found in 1 Kings 7:40-45 , where his craftsmanship in bronze is extensively described. His work not only demonstrated his skill but also contributed to the splendor and sanctity of the Temple, reflecting the glory of God.

Theological Significance:
Hiram's involvement in the construction of the Temple holds theological significance. The collaboration between Israel and Tyre symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding the establishment of a house for His name. Hiram's contributions, both as a king and an artisan, underscore the importance of wisdom, skill, and international cooperation in achieving divine purposes.

Conclusion:
Hiram, in both his roles, is a testament to the importance of alliances and the sharing of gifts and talents in the service of God's plans. His legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a key figure in the realization of one of Israel's most significant religious and cultural achievements.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hiram or Huram

(noble).

  1. The king of Tyre who sent workmen and materials to Jerusalem, first, (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Chronicles 14:1) to build a palace for David (B.C. 1064), whom he ever loved, (1 Kings 5:1) and again, 1Kin 5:10; 7:13; 2Chr 2:16 To build the temple for Solomon, with whom he had a treaty of peace and commerce (1 Kings 5:11,12) He admitted Solomon's ships issuing from Joppa, to a share in the profitable trade of the Mediterranean, (1 Kings 10:22) and the Jewish sailors, under the guidance of Tyrians, were taught to bring the gold of India, (1 Kings 9:26) to Solomon's two harbors on the Red Sea.
  2. Hiram was the name of a man of mixed race, (1 Kings 7:13,40) the principal architect and engineer sent by King Hiram to Solomon.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Hiram or Huram

1. A king of Tyre, who sent to congratulate David on his accession to the throne, and aided him in building his palace, 2 Samuel 5:11 1 Chronicles 14:1. He seems to have been the Abibal of secular history.

2. A king of Tyre, probably a son of the former, 2 Chronicles 2:13, and like him a friend of David. He congratulated Solomon at the commencement of his reign, and furnished essential aid in building the temple. He provided timber and stones, together with gold to an immense amount, and received in return large supplies of corn, wine, and oil, with twenty cities in Galilee, 1 Kings 5:1-18 2 Chronicles 2:1-18. Josephus relates that he and Solomon were wont to exchange enigmas with each other; that he greatly improved his city and realm, and died after a prosperous reign of thirty-four years, at the age of fifty-two.

3. A skillful artificer of Tyre, whose mother was a Jewess. The interior decorations and utensils of Solomon's temple were made under his direction, 1 Kings 7:13,14 2 Chronicles 2:13,14.

Strong's Hebrew
2438. Chiram -- a Benjamite, also two Arameans (Syrians)
... Hiram, Huram. Or Chiyrowm {khee-rome'}; another form of Chuwram; Chiram or Chirom,
the name of two Tyrians -- Hiram, Huram. see HEBREW Chuwram. 2437, 2438. ...
/hebrew/2438.htm - 6k
Library

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... [2073] Hiram or Huram was his name (1 Kings 7:13, 40). Clement seems to have mistaken
the words huper on occuring in the epistle referred to for a proper name. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Resources
Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org

Who was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Hiram

Hiram or Huram

Hiram: An Artificer Sent by King Hiram to Execute the Artistic Work of the Interior of the Temple

Hiram: Called Huram, King of Tyre: Builds a House for David

Hiram: Called Huram, King of Tyre: Dissatisfied With the Cities Given to Him by Solomon

Hiram: Called Huram, King of Tyre: Helps Solomon in Building the Temple

Hiram: Called Huram, King of Tyre: Makes Presents of Gold and Sailors to Solomon

Related Terms

Hiram's (3 Occurrences)

Timber (32 Occurrences)

Cabul (2 Occurrences)

Logs (12 Occurrences)

Pine (28 Occurrences)

Fir (22 Occurrences)

Boats (11 Occurrences)

Navy (4 Occurrences)

Fleet (7 Occurrences)

Pots (30 Occurrences)

Basins (33 Occurrences)

Cedar-trees (11 Occurrences)

Almug (2 Occurrences)

Shovels (9 Occurrences)

Supplied (22 Occurrences)

Spades (9 Occurrences)

Lover (55 Occurrences)

Alliance (12 Occurrences)

Cedar (61 Occurrences)

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

Trade (33 Occurrences)

Tyre (59 Occurrences)

Quarries (4 Occurrences)

Undertaken (10 Occurrences)

Lavers (6 Occurrences)

Gebalites (2 Occurrences)

Woodworkers (6 Occurrences)

Furnished (18 Occurrences)

Friendly (17 Occurrences)

Terms (25 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Envoys (16 Occurrences)

Masons (8 Occurrences)

Phenicia (1 Occurrence)

Baths (8 Occurrences)

Cypress (17 Occurrences)

Cedar-wood (22 Occurrences)

Cors (6 Occurrences)

Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences)

Completeth (7 Occurrences)

Cedars (37 Occurrences)

Carpenters (11 Occurrences)

Algum (3 Occurrences)

Sea-force (3 Occurrences)

Stonemasons (2 Occurrences)

Stoneworkers (3 Occurrences)

Wanted (73 Occurrences)

Treaty (25 Occurrences)

Ivory (13 Occurrences)

Succeed (47 Occurrences)

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)

Trees (179 Occurrences)

Sprinkling (48 Occurrences)

Ships (46 Occurrences)

Addition (112 Occurrences)

Wheat (56 Occurrences)

Pressed (65 Occurrences)

Performed (110 Occurrences)

Huram (16 Occurrences)

Measures (50 Occurrences)

Olive (61 Occurrences)

Worked (145 Occurrences)

Phoenicians

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)

Room (174 Occurrences)

Ended (146 Occurrences)

Instead (139 Occurrences)

120 (2 Occurrences)

Zeredathah (1 Occurrence)

Zarthan (1 Occurrence)

Joppa (14 Occurrences)

Giblites (2 Occurrences)

Gebal (3 Occurrences)

Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)

Fir-wood (4 Occurrences)

Fetched (26 Occurrences)

Tarshish-fleet (1 Occurrence)

Talents (36 Occurrences)

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)

Hiram of Tyre
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