Topical Bible: Alliances: Solomon and Hiram

◄ Alliances: Solomon and Hiram ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The alliance between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre is a significant example of diplomatic and economic cooperation in the biblical narrative. This partnership is primarily documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, highlighting the mutual benefits and shared interests that characterized their relationship.

Background and Context

King Solomon, the son of David, ascended to the throne of Israel and was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and extensive building projects, most notably the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hiram, the king of Tyre, ruled over a prosperous Phoenician city-state known for its skilled craftsmen and abundant resources, particularly cedar and cypress timber.

The Alliance

The alliance between Solomon and Hiram is first mentioned in 1 Kings 5. Recognizing the need for quality materials and skilled labor to build the Temple, Solomon reached out to Hiram, who had been a friend and ally of his father, David. The Berean Standard Bible records Solomon's request: "Now therefore, command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say" (1 Kings 5:6).

Hiram responded favorably to Solomon's request, expressing joy over Solomon's wisdom and the opportunity to assist in the construction of the Temple. He sent word back to Solomon: "I will do all you desire concerning the cedar and cypress timber" (1 Kings 5:8). This agreement marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Terms of the Agreement

The terms of the alliance were mutually beneficial. Hiram provided Solomon with the necessary timber and skilled laborers, while Solomon compensated Hiram with wheat and olive oil, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:10-11: "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted, and year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, as well as twenty thousand baths of pure olive oil" .

Significance and Impact

The alliance between Solomon and Hiram was instrumental in the successful completion of the Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people. This collaboration also exemplifies the broader theme of peaceful and productive international relations in the ancient Near East.

Moreover, the alliance underscores the importance of wisdom and diplomacy in leadership. Solomon's ability to forge such a partnership reflects his God-given wisdom, which extended beyond judicial matters to include international diplomacy and trade.

Further Developments

The relationship between Solomon and Hiram extended beyond the Temple project. The two kings also collaborated on maritime ventures, as recorded in 1 Kings 9:26-28. They built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, and sent them to Ophir to acquire gold, enhancing the wealth and prosperity of both kingdoms.

Conclusion

The alliance between Solomon and Hiram is a testament to the power of cooperation and mutual respect between nations. It highlights the role of strategic partnerships in achieving great endeavors and the enduring legacy of Solomon's reign as a period of peace and prosperity for Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 5:12
And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
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Amos 1:9
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
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Library

Solomon's Reign.
... He depended upon foreign alliances rather than upon ... This commercial people, through
Hiram of Tyre, one of ... Solomon married a daughter of Pharoah and carried on ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from ... of a new era in the accounts of
Solomon's reign ... wars with Philistines and Ammon, we have alliances with Egypt ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... among them, their resources, commerce, exploits, alliances, the causes ... the connection;
the narrative of Solomon's dealings with Hiram is consecutively ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Reign of David.
... He also made an alliance with Hiram, the king of ... in the family and kingdom of Solomon,
his son ... He also succeeded in forming friendly alliances with other kings ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xi the reign of.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... seated on the throne, he endeavoured to form alliances with all ... basis between the
reign of Pygmalion and Hiram I., the contemporary of David and Solomon. ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the Tyrian alliance"The successors of Hiram I. at ... the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David,
Solomon, the defection of ... were respectively free to make alliances, or to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the part taken by Nathan in the conspiracy which raised Solomon to the throne (1 ...
and were confirmed in the possession of their respective territories; Hiram II ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... [Illustration: 115.jpg THE KABR-HIRAM NEAR TYRE]. ... i.16), in the time of Solomon. ... her
with persistent malignity, but, by virtue of their alliances by marriage ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm