Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, holds significant historical and biblical importance. Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Tyre was a prominent maritime and commercial hub. The city is often mentioned in the Bible, particularly in relation to its interactions with the Kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Hiram.

Hiram, King of Tyre

Hiram, the King of Tyre, is a notable figure in biblical history, particularly during the reigns of King David and King Solomon of Israel. Hiram's reign is characterized by a strong alliance with Israel, marked by mutual respect and cooperation. This alliance is first mentioned in the context of King David's reign. In 2 Samuel 5:11 , it is recorded: "Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David." This gesture signifies the beginning of a fruitful relationship between Tyre and Israel.

Alliance with Solomon

The alliance between Tyre and Israel reached its zenith during the reign of King Solomon. Hiram played a crucial role in the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a project initiated by Solomon. In 1 Kings 5:1-12 , the Bible details the agreement between Solomon and Hiram, highlighting the exchange of resources and labor. Solomon requested cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, which Hiram agreed to supply in exchange for wheat and olive oil. This collaboration underscores the economic and political ties between the two kingdoms.

Hiram's contribution to the Temple's construction is further emphasized in 1 Kings 5:6 : "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians." This passage illustrates the high regard Solomon had for the craftsmanship and resources of Tyre.

Cultural and Economic Influence

Tyre's influence extended beyond its political alliances. As a leading city of the Phoenician civilization, Tyre was renowned for its skilled artisans, shipbuilders, and traders. The city's wealth and prosperity were largely derived from its strategic position as a center of trade and commerce. Tyre's merchants are mentioned in Ezekiel 27, where the city is depicted as a thriving marketplace, trading goods with various nations.

Prophetic References

Despite its prosperity, Tyre is also the subject of prophetic warnings and judgments in the Bible. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all prophesied against Tyre, foretelling its eventual downfall due to pride and idolatry. Ezekiel 26:3-5 declares: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock. She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD."

These prophecies highlight the tension between Tyre's earthly success and its spiritual failings, serving as a reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience to God.

Legacy

The legacy of Tyre and King Hiram is multifaceted, encompassing both the positive aspects of their alliance with Israel and the negative consequences of their eventual downfall. Tyre's historical and biblical significance continues to be a subject of study and reflection, offering insights into the complexities of ancient Near Eastern politics, commerce, and spirituality.1 Kings 5:1
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
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2 Chronicles 2:3
And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As you did deal with David my father, and did send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.
Nave's Topical Index

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... Moreover, the king of Tyre sent sophisms and enigmatical sayings to ... he says thus:
"When Abibalus was dead, his son Hiram received the kingdom from him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... 6. Moreover Hiram, king of Tyre, when he had heard that Solonion succeeded to his
father's kingdom, was very glad of it, for he was a friend of David's. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Every Inch a King.
... city of the kingdom, and so he took it, and it became the city of David. He built
a beautiful house for himself there, and King Hiram of Tyre sent skilled ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... III. We have, lastly, the growth of the kingdom. ... of 'the God of hosts,' the special
instance of this in the friendly intercourse with Hiram of Tyre and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... And Hiram king of Tyre sent his ... which included the greater part of his kingdom, was
comparatively ... of provisions for Hiram's workmen, and makes Hiram accept the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... beyond all the old and the learned men of his kingdom, and many ... the mountains of
Lebanon they worked with the servants of Hiram, King of Tyre, getting the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... were called formerly by other names, when they took the kingdom, were named ... and became
useful for shipping from the donations of Hiram king of Tyre; for he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

The History of Solomon
... and finished it perfectly, Hiram the king of Tyre went for to ... of the king, with the
navy of Hiram, went in ... I commanded thee, I shall cut thy kingdom and divide ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

Jerusalem Made the Capital City
... And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers ... So David knew that Jehovah had made him
ruler over Israel and his kingdom powerful for the sake of his people Israel ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jerusalem made the capital city.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... of the Prince of Tyre who ruled the Kingdom during the ... For while the Prince of Tyre
was walking without fault in ... of David and of Solomon his son, Hiram was a ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

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