Product Code Database
Hiram I (Phoenician: 𐤇𐤓𐤌 Ḥirōm "my brother is exalted"; Hebrew language: חירם Ḥīrām; also called Hirom or Huram) Ellicott's Commentary for Modern Readers on 2 Samuel 5, accessed 11 July 2017 was the king of Tyre according to the Hebrew Bible. His regnal years have been calculated by some as 980 to 947 BC, in succession to his father, Abibaal. Hiram was succeeded as King of Tyre by his son Baal-Eser I.Vance, Donald R. (March 1994) "Literary Sources for the History of Palestine and Syria: The Phœnician Inscriptions" The Biblical Archaeologist 57(1) 2–19. Hiram is also mentioned in the writings of Menander of Ephesus (early 2nd century BC), as preserved in Josephus Against Apion, which adds to the biblical account. According to Josephus, Hiram lived for 53 years and reigned 34.
The Hebrew Bible says that he allied himself with David, king of Judah and his artisans built David's palace in Jerusalem after his capture of the city.) The palace was built using Lebanon Cedar. After David's death, Hiram maintained his alliance with David's son and successor Solomon, again as an equal ("אחי", meaning "my brother")Michael D. Coogan, A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament page 213–214, Oxford University Press, 2009 Through the alliance with Solomon, Hiram ensured himself access to the major to Egypt, Arabia and Mesopotamia. The two kings also jointly opened a trade route over the Red Sea, connecting the Israelite harbour of Ezion-Geber with a land called Ophir. Some schools of thought suggest that this land of Ophir was in the port city of Sopara, near modern Mumbai (Bombay), India.A. L. Basham, The Wonder That Was India page 232, Picador India
According to the Bible, both kings grew rich through this trade, and Hiram sent Solomon architects, workmen, cedar wood, and gold to build the First Temple in Jerusalem. Josephus says that he also extended the Tyrean harbour, enlarged the city by joining the two islands on which it was built, and constructed a royal palace and a temple for Melqart ( Against Apion i:17)
As pointed out by William Barnes (1801–1886), the date for the start of Temple construction using the Tyrian data is derived "wholly independently" of the way that date is derived by using the Scriptural data.William H. Barnes, Studies in the Chronology of the Divided Monarchy of Israel (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1991) 31.
By incorporating another source, Pompeius Trogus' date for the founding of Carthage (825 B.C.), we can arrive at an alternate solution. This approach places the beginning of Hiram's reign in 979/8 B.C. and the commencement of Temple construction eleven years later, in 968/7 B.C. It is important to note that most chronological systems place the start of Solomon's reign around 971/70 B.C.
The Hebrew Bible portrays Hiram as a close associate of the Israelite monarchs (1 Kings 5:1-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2-16). According to the biblical narrative, Hiram supplied skilled laborers, cedar wood, and other materials to King David for the construction of his palace in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 14:1). This account, while potentially embellished, hints at a cooperative relationship between the two leaders.
However, it is during Solomon's reign that the most detailed descriptions of Hiram's role emerge. The Bible describes a specific agreement between the two kings for the construction of monumental projects in Jerusalem: Solomon's Temple and his royal palace (1 Kings 5). This agreement, if factual, suggests a formalized partnership. The narrative details that Hiram provided skilled laborers, artisans, and vast quantities of prized cedar and cypress wood from the forests of Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6-10). In return, Solomon offered Tyre essential resources like wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine (1 Kings 5:11-12). This exchange, if accurately depicted, highlights the potential for a mutually beneficial economic relationship fostered by the agreement.
Beyond the Hebrew Bible, references to Hiram are limited. Notably, Josephus, a 1st-century CE Jewish historian, mentions Hiram in his work "Against Apion" (i:18). Citing Menander of Ephesus, a 3rd-century BCE historian, Josephus credits Hiram with quelling a rebellion in the Phoenician colony of Utica (near modern-day Carthage). Rabbinic literature identifies Hiram as one of the four men who pretended to be gods.TheNebuchadnezzar was equally victorious in his expedition against Tyre, whose king, Hiram, his stepfather, he dethroned and put to a painful death (Lev. R. xviii. 2; Yalḳ., Ezek. 367). Jewish Encyclopedia Nebuchadnezzar
While limited historical evidence exists outside the Bible, it suggests a period of prosperity and expansion for Tyre under Hiram's leadership. The potential alliance with Israel could have provided Tyre with access to valuable resources and new markets. Conversely, Solomon might have benefitted from Tyre's skilled workforce and expertise in maritime trade and construction. Further research is necessary to definitively establish the nature and extent of their collaboration. Regardless, Hiram's reign likely marked a period of significant cultural and economic exchange between the two kingdoms, with a lasting impact on the region.
In the Southern Lebanon city of Tyre there is a neighbourhood called Hay Hiram, located in Tyre's northern municipality of Aabbassiyeh. Hiram Hospital is based in that neighbourhood and nearby there is a Hiram Pharmacy. In the centre of Tyre's Sour municipality main street is named after Hiram (spelled Hyram on Google Maps). Hiram Street suffers from high traffic congestion, Air pollution and noise pollution.
|
|
