### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
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** `{{H2361}}``{{H2438}}` 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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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}}`.
TRV