The Hebrew name Chîyrâm, represented by H2438, identifies two important Tyrians in the Old Testament narrative. An alternative form of the name is Chûwrâm H2361. Appearing 24 times across 20 unique verses, the name is primarily associated with Hiram, the king H4428 of Tyre H6865, and Hiram, a master craftsman H2796.
In the biblical narrative, Chîyrâm H2438 is first introduced as the king of Tyre H6865, who was "ever a lover H157 of David H1732" 1 Kings 5:1. This alliance was foundational, with Hiram sending cedar H730 trees H6086, carpenters H2796, and masons H7023 to build H1129 David a house H1004 2 Samuel 5:11. The relationship continued with David's son H1121, Solomon H8010, with whom Hiram made a league H1285 1 Kings 5:12. He supplied vast resources for the construction of the temple, including timber H6086 of cedar and fir H1265, and gold H2091 (1 Kings 5:10, 1 Kings 9:11). A second figure, also named Chîyrâm H2438, was a skilled artisan whom Solomon fetched H3947 from Tyre H6865 to create the ornate metalwork for the house H1004 of the LORD H3068, including lavers H3595, shovels H3257, and basons H4219 from brass H5178 (1 Kings 7:13, 1 Kings 7:40, 1 Kings 7:45).
Several related words clarify the role and context of Chîyrâm H2438:
- H2361 Chûwrâm (Huram): This is an alternate spelling for Hiram and is used interchangeably in the text. For example, the craftsman is called Huram H2361 when he makes the temple vessels, and in the same verse it says Huram H2361H2438 finished the work H4399 2 Chronicles 4:11.
- H4428 melek (a king): This title is consistently applied to Hiram of Tyre H6865, defining his royal status and his capacity to form alliances and trade agreements with David H1732 and Solomon H8010 (1 Kings 5:1, 1 Kings 9:11).
- H6865 Tsôr (Tyre): This is the city-state ruled by King Hiram and the place of origin for both the king and the craftsman. The narrative emphasizes their identity as Tyrians, distinct from Israel (1 Kings 7:13, 2 Samuel 5:11).
- H6086 ʻêts (a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood): Timber, particularly cedar H730 and fir H1265 trees, was the primary commodity King Hiram supplied for Israel's most significant building projects (1 Kings 5:8, 1 Kings 9:11).
The story of Chîyrâm H2438 carries significant weight in the narrative of Israel's consolidation as a kingdom.
- International Alliance: The relationship between King Hiram and both David H1732 and Solomon H8010 is a prime example of a mutually beneficial foreign alliance. Hiram provides crucial materials and skilled labor for building David's house H1004 and the LORD's house H1004, and in return, Solomon provides food H4361 and land (1 Kings 5:11, 1 Kings 9:11). Their formal league H1285 underscores a time of peace H7965 and cooperation 1 Kings 5:12.
- Gentile Acknowledgment of God: As a Gentile king, Hiram's reaction to Solomon's request is notable. He rejoiced H8055 greatly H3966 and blessed H1288 the LORD H3068 for giving David a wise H2450 son H1121 to rule over a great H7227 people H5971 1 Kings 5:7. This act serves as a foreign testimony to the wisdom and faithfulness of Israel's God H430.
- Contribution to Divine Worship: Both figures named Hiram were instrumental in constructing and furnishing the temple. The king supplied the cedar H730 and fir H1265 trees H6086 and gold H2091, while the craftsman fashioned the holy vessels H3627 from bright H4178 brass H5178 (1 Kings 9:11, 1 Kings 7:45).
In summary, Chîyrâm H2438 refers to two pivotal figures from Tyre H6865: a king who was a loyal friend to David H1732 and a key ally to Solomon H8010, and a master artisan who furnished the temple. The king's provision of materials and the craftsman's skill were essential for establishing the physical landmarks of the Israelite kingdom. Their story highlights a period of international peace and demonstrates how non-Israelites participated in and even blessed the work of the LORD H3068.
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