Hiram (King of Tyre)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew חִירָם (ḥîrām), likely “my brother is exalted,” a royal name associated with Tyre’s kingship.
• Period/Era: United Monarchy
• Main References: 2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5; 1 Kings 9:10–14; 1 Chronicles 14:1; 2 Chronicles 2
• Key Connections: David; Solomon; Phoenician craftsmen and maritime trade networks centered in Tyre

Who was Hiram (King of Tyre)?

Hiram was the king of Tyre, a major Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast.
He maintained diplomatic relations with Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon.
Hiram supplied cedar, craftsmen, and logistical support for Israel’s royal and temple projects.

Key Events & Achievements

• Alliance with David: Sent cedar, carpenters, and masons to build David a house in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Chronicles 14:1).
• Treaty with Solomon: Entered a formal partnership providing timber and skilled labor for the temple and royal building works (1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2).
• Territorial Negotiations: Received towns in Galilee from Solomon, but expressed dissatisfaction with their value (1 Kings 9:10–14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Hiram’s reign illustrates how Israel’s kings used international alliances and skilled foreign labor to advance state and sanctuary building during the United Monarchy.

Key Verse

“And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram always loved David.” — 1 Kings 5:1, ESV