Hiram

AI summary: Hiram matters because the cross references show Israel's royal and temple history unfolding in practical cooperation with a neighboring Phoenician king. He supplies cedar, craftsmen, and maritime support first for David's palace and then for Solomon's temple and trading ventures. His presence in these narratives broadens the picture of Israel's kingdom by showing how surrounding nations can contribute materially to the purposes centered in Jerusalem. Taken together, the material presents Hiram as an important international ally whose resources and diplomacy become part of the biblical story of royal and temple formation.¹

Also “Huram” and “Horam,” king of Tyre. He entered into an alliance with David, and assisted him in building his palace by sending him able workmen, and also cedar-trees and fir-trees from Lebanon (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Chr. 14:1). After the death of David he entered into a similar alliance with Solomon, and assisted him greatly in building the temple (1 Kings 5:1; 9:11; 2 Chr. 2:3). He also took part in Solomon’s traffic to the Eastern Seas (1 Kings 9:27; 10:11; 2 Chr. 8:18; 9:10). ³