1 Kings 7:13

KJV

¶ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

KJV (with Strong's)

And king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} sent {H7971} and fetched {H3947} Hiram {H2438} out of Tyre {H6865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Shlomo sent for Hiram and brought him from Tzor.

Berean Standard Bible

Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre.

American Standard Version

And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:13 marks a crucial juncture in the construction of Solomon's Temple and his royal palace, signaling a shift from structural completion to intricate interior and decorative elements. This verse highlights King Solomon's decisive action to recruit Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman renowned for his skill in bronze work, underscoring the king's wisdom in seeking specialized expertise to ensure the unparalleled excellence and divine glory of the sacred dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed account of the Temple's construction, culminating in its structural completion in [1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Temple Completion"). With the main edifice finished, the narrative naturally transitions to the elaborate interior furnishings and the vast array of bronze implements necessary for Temple worship. The introduction of Hiram here is not merely a logistical detail but a narrative pivot, setting the stage for the extensive descriptions of the Temple's magnificent adornments and the subsequent account of Solomon's palace construction in [1 Kings 7:1-12](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1-12 - Solomon's Palace Construction"). Hiram's arrival signifies the commencement of the artistic and detailed phase of the building projects, emphasizing that God's dwelling place required not just sturdy construction but also exquisite beauty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city-state, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced metallurgy, skilled craftsmanship (especially in bronze and purple dye), and extensive maritime trade networks. Phoenician artisans were highly sought after for their superior techniques and artistic prowess. The "Hiram" mentioned here is distinct from King Hiram of Tyre, who provided timber and laborers as detailed in [1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - King Hiram's Alliance with Solomon"). This craftsman, Hiram, was of mixed Israelite and Tyrian heritage ([1 Kings 7:14](/1_kings/7-14 "1 Kings 7:14 - Hiram's Background and Skills")), making him uniquely qualified to blend the artistic traditions of Tyre with the specific requirements of Israelite worship. Solomon's decision to "send and fetch" such a master craftsman from a foreign land demonstrates his understanding of the best available resources and his commitment to excellence in the service of God, reflecting the international connections and influence of his reign.
* **Key Themes:** The introduction of Hiram underscores several profound themes woven throughout the narrative of the Temple's construction. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Human Skill**, demonstrating that while the Temple was divinely commanded, its execution involved the meticulous application of the finest human talents, orchestrated by God through Solomon. Secondly, it showcases **Solomon's Wisdom and Discernment**, as his God-given wisdom ([1 Kings 3:9](/1_kings/3-9 "1 Kings 3:9 - Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom")) enabled him to recognize the need for specialized expertise and to seek out the best, regardless of national origin, ensuring the Temple's excellence. Thirdly, the collaboration with a Phoenician craftsman exemplifies **International Collaboration** in the building of God's dwelling place, with resources and labor coming from both Israel and neighboring nations, subtly hinting at the universal significance of God's presence. Finally, the meticulous attention to detail and the use of the finest materials and craftsmen, like Hiram, underscore the profound desire for **Excellence in Worship**, reflecting the magnitude and majesty of the God for whom the Temple was built.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiram (Hebrew, _Ḥîrām'_):** This name, common in Phoenician, refers specifically to the master craftsman, not King Hiram of Tyre. The text in [1 Kings 7:14](/1_kings/7-14 "1 Kings 7:14 - Hiram's Mother and Skills") clarifies his lineage, stating his mother was from the tribe of Naphtali (or Dan, per [2 Chronicles 2:14](/2_chronicles/2-14 "2 Chronicles 2:14 - Hiram's Lineage")) and his father was a Tyrian bronze worker. This mixed heritage made him uniquely suited for the task, combining Israelite understanding with Phoenician artistic mastery, indicating a divinely appointed individual for a specific purpose.
* **Sent and fetched (Hebrew, _vayyishlach vayyiqqach'_):** This phrase denotes a deliberate, authoritative, and purposeful action by King Solomon. It is not a casual hiring but a royal summons, emphasizing the high value placed on Hiram's unique abilities. The repetition of "sent" and "fetched" conveys the intentionality and directness of Solomon's command, highlighting the critical importance of Hiram's expertise for the monumental projects ahead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And king Solomon sent":** This clause establishes Solomon's proactive and authoritative role. As the divinely appointed builder of the Temple, he exercises his regal power and wisdom to initiate the next crucial phase of construction. His "sending" implies a deliberate search and a clear understanding of the specific skills required.
* **"and fetched Hiram":** This part specifies the object of Solomon's summons – Hiram, the master craftsman. The act of "fetching" implies bringing him from a distance and with a sense of urgency and necessity, underscoring Hiram's unique and indispensable qualifications for the intricate work of the Temple.
* **"out of Tyre":** This final phrase identifies Hiram's origin, a detail of immense significance. Tyre was the preeminent center for metallurgy and craftsmanship in the ancient world, particularly for bronze work. Sourcing a craftsman from Tyre immediately signals the unparalleled quality and artistic excellence that Solomon sought for the Temple's furnishings and decorations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Conciseness** is evident, as a pivotal moment—the recruitment of the chief artisan—is conveyed in a single, direct sentence, allowing the subsequent verses to elaborate on Hiram's extensive work. There is an element of **Anticipation**, as the introduction of Hiram immediately foreshadows the detailed descriptions of the magnificent bronze work and other elaborate furnishings that will follow in [1 Kings 7:15-47](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-47 - Hiram's Bronze Work"). The phrase "sent and fetched" also utilizes **Royal Command**, emphasizing Solomon's authority and the importance of the task, portraying him as a discerning king who knows how to acquire the best resources for God's house. Finally, the mention of "Tyre" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the city stands in for its renowned reputation for superior craftsmanship and artistic excellence, immediately signaling the caliber of the individual being recruited.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The recruitment of Hiram, a master craftsman from Tyre, for the sacred task of adorning God's Temple carries profound theological implications. It illustrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating human events and His willingness to use diverse individuals, even those from outside the covenant community, to accomplish His divine purposes. Just as God endowed Bezalel and Oholiab with divine skill for the Tabernacle ([Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - God Equips Artisans for the Tabernacle")), He providentially brings Hiram to Solomon, demonstrating that human excellence, when consecrated to God, becomes a vehicle for divine glory. This act underscores that the pursuit of excellence in service to God is not merely an aesthetic preference but a theological imperative, reflecting the majesty and worthiness of the One being worshipped. It also highlights the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, hinting that His dwelling place and His glory are not confined to one nation but have implications for all peoples.

* [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "God Equips Artisans for the Tabernacle")
* [2 Chronicles 2:13-14](/2_chronicles/2-13 "Hiram's Skills and Lineage")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon sending for Hiram offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God values skill, talent, and expertise, and that these gifts, whether spiritual or natural, are meant to be cultivated and utilized for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Just as Solomon sought the best for the physical Temple, we are called to offer our best—our time, talents, and resources—in service to God and humanity. This verse encourages us to recognize and affirm the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, understanding that the collective work of God's people often requires the collaborative efforts of individuals with unique strengths, each contributing to the greater whole. It challenges us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors, not for personal recognition, but as an act of worship, reflecting the magnitude and majesty of the God we serve. Even in seemingly mundane or logistical details, we can discern God's hand at work, orchestrating circumstances and providing the right people and resources to fulfill His grand purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's pursuit of excellence in building the Temple challenge my own approach to serving God with my gifts and talents?**
* **In what ways can I better recognize and affirm the specialized skills and contributions of others within my community or church, fostering collaboration for God's work?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's providence in providing the right people and resources at the right time for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Was this Hiram the same person as King Hiram of Tyre?**

Answer: No, this Hiram, the master craftsman, is a different individual from King Hiram of Tyre. King Hiram was a long-standing ally of King David and later King Solomon, providing timber, gold, and laborers for the Temple and palace construction, as detailed in [1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - King Hiram's Alliance with Solomon") and [2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-10 - King Hiram's Letter to Solomon"). The Hiram introduced in [1 Kings 7:13](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13 - Solomon Sends for Hiram the Craftsman") is a skilled artisan, specifically mentioned as being "the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze" ([1 Kings 7:14](/1_kings/7-14 "1 Kings 7:14 - Hiram's Background and Skills")). This distinction is crucial for understanding the specific roles each played in the monumental building projects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Solomon's Temple, and particularly the meticulous effort to secure the finest craftsman like Hiram, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Solomon's Temple was a magnificent physical structure designed to house God's presence, it was always a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of his body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God, where God's glory resides in its fullness ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The pursuit of excellence in the earthly Temple foreshadows the perfection and unparalleled beauty of Christ's person and work, who is both the cornerstone and the chief builder of the spiritual temple—the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Just as Hiram brought diverse skills to complete the physical structure, Christ, through the Holy Spirit, gifts His followers with diverse spiritual gifts to build up the body of believers, making it a living temple where God truly dwells ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, the historical account of Hiram's recruitment points beyond itself to the divine artistry of Christ, who perfectly builds His Church and is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:11

¶ And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;

2 Chronicles 2:13

And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

2 Chronicles 2:14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

1 Kings 7:40

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD: