Topical Bible: Brass: Hiram

◄ Brass: Hiram ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Hiram, often referred to as "Hiram Abiff" in Masonic tradition, is a significant biblical figure known for his expertise in working with brass and other metals. He played a crucial role in the construction of Solomon's Temple, a pivotal event in the history of Israel. The biblical account of Hiram is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Biblical Account

Hiram was a skilled craftsman from Tyre, a city renowned for its artisans and craftsmen. He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilled in bronze work. This mixed heritage endowed Hiram with a unique blend of Israelite and Phoenician craftsmanship, making him an ideal candidate for the intricate work required in the Temple.

In 1 Kings 7:13-14 , we read: "Now King Solomon sent to bring Hiram from Tyre. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Hiram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work."

Role in Solomon's Temple

Hiram's contributions to Solomon's Temple were extensive and included the crafting of two massive bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, the Sea of cast metal, and various other bronze furnishings and utensils. His work was not only functional but also highly decorative, reflecting the glory and majesty of the Temple.

1 Kings 7:15-22 describes the pillars: "He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. A network of interwoven chains adorned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital. So he made the pillars, and he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. He set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz."

Symbolism and Significance

The use of brass, or bronze, in the construction of the Temple is significant. In biblical symbolism, brass often represents judgment and strength. The choice of Hiram, a man filled with wisdom and skill, underscores the importance of divine wisdom and craftsmanship in the service of God. His work in the Temple not only fulfilled a practical need but also served as a testament to the glory of God and the splendor of His dwelling place on earth.

Legacy

Hiram's legacy is one of excellence in craftsmanship and dedication to the service of God. His work in the Temple set a standard for future generations and remains a symbol of the beauty and majesty of God's house. The account of Hiram serves as a reminder of the importance of using one's God-given talents for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 7:14
He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and worked all his work.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... Hiram constructed of bright, burnished brass, an immense laver, called
"a molten sea," to be used for the ablutions of the priests. ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... with the servants of Hiram, King of Tyre, getting the cedar timbers ready for the
temple, while Hiram's artisans in gold, and silver, and brass, and fine linen ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... Moreover, this Hiram made two [hollow] pillars, whose outsides were of brass, and
the thickness of the brass was four fingers' breadth, and the height of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Further Spiritualizing of Solomon's Temple-Building.
... 5128] "Hiram of Tyre, the son of a woman who was a widow; and he was of the tribe
of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass, and filled ...
/.../25 further spiritualizing of solomons.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... that is strong and mighty and its teeth of iron and its hoofs of brass, and it ... in
the ancient time, in the days of David and of Solomon his son, Hiram was a ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower
... Hiram's Tyrian workmen, with all their skill in hewn stone, and in timber, and
in iron, and in brass, had no hand in building Habakkuk's tower. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/ix habakkuk-on his watch-tower.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... progressing under the leadership of Hiram of Tyre, "a cunning man, endued with
understanding, . . . skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ...
... And the sons of Solomon and the sons of Hiram hewed the stones and laid them ... whole
power I have prepared for the house of my God, gold, silver, brass, and iron ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the temple of solomon.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... No Hiram is needed. ... descended from heaven, the token of Jehovah's presence, the store,
and the cedar, and the gold, and the silver, and the brass, all would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... Our own Bezaleel [1865] also and Hiram, the son of a Tyrian woman, [1866] are spoken
of in scripture as filled with ... A throat of iron and a chest of brass,. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm