Topical Bible: Wisdom of Hiram

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The Wisdom of Hiram is a topic that emerges from the biblical narrative surrounding Hiram, the king of Tyre, who played a significant role in the construction of Solomon's Temple. Hiram's wisdom is not explicitly detailed in the Scriptures, but it can be inferred from his actions and the relationship he maintained with King Solomon.

Biblical Background

Hiram, the king of Tyre, is introduced in the biblical account as a contemporary and ally of King David and later King Solomon. His kingdom, Tyre, was renowned for its skilled artisans and abundant resources, particularly in timber and craftsmanship. The relationship between Hiram and the Israelite kings is primarily documented in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

1 Kings 5:1-12 provides a detailed account of Hiram's collaboration with Solomon. The passage highlights Hiram's respect and admiration for David, Solomon's father, and his willingness to assist Solomon in fulfilling David's vision of building a temple for the Lord. Hiram's wisdom is evident in his diplomatic approach and his ability to maintain a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship with Israel.

Hiram's Contribution to the Temple

Hiram's wisdom is further demonstrated through his contribution to the construction of the Temple. He provided Solomon with cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, which were highly prized for their quality. Additionally, Hiram sent skilled craftsmen to assist in the intricate work required for the Temple's construction. This collaboration is described in 1 Kings 5:6-10 :

"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."

Hiram's ability to organize and supply the necessary materials and labor for such a monumental project reflects his wisdom in governance and resource management.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Hiram's wisdom can be seen as part of God's providential plan. His cooperation with Solomon facilitated the building of the Temple, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The alliance between Hiram and Solomon also exemplifies the potential for peaceful and productive relationships between different nations, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Hiram's Legacy

Hiram's legacy is one of wisdom, diplomacy, and skilled craftsmanship. His role in the construction of the Temple is a testament to his ability to recognize and support a divine mission. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Hiram's personal wisdom, his actions and the successful partnership with Solomon speak volumes about his character and capabilities.

In summary, the Wisdom of Hiram is inferred from his strategic alliances, resource management, and contribution to one of the most significant religious structures in biblical history. His account serves as an example of how wisdom can manifest in leadership, cooperation, and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

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

2 Chronicles 2:14
The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful 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 engraving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with your cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David your father.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... CHAPTER 2. Concerning The Wife Of Solomon; Concerning His Wisdom And Riches; And
Concerning What He Obtained Of Hiram For The Building Of The Temple. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... Hiram was an inspired artist and artificer. He was "filled with wisdom and
understanding, and cunning to work." We are told the same as to the great decorative ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... with Tyre was defective, in that there was no attempt to bring Hiram and the ... He
attracted a seeker from afar, and imparted to her the wisdom that God had given ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

The History of Solomon
... of King Solomon, for the navy of the king, with the navy of Hiram, went in ... Solomon
was magnified above all the kings of the world in riches and wisdom, and all ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

Further Spiritualizing of Solomon's Temple-Building.
... on the other the master-builder whom Solomon sent and fetched, [5128] "Hiram of
Tyre ... a man of Tyre, a worker in brass, and filled with wisdom and understanding ...
/.../25 further spiritualizing of solomons.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He promised him: and there was peace between
Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together."1 Kings 5:1-12. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

Antiquity of the Temple.
... on account of the hereditary friendship which existed between Hiram and Solomon,
and at the same time on account of the surpassing wisdom possessed by Solomon. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxii antiquity of the temple.htm

Prologue.
... 1. The Queen of the South, as we read in the Book of the Kings, came to hear the
wisdom of Solomon. [1661] Likewise King Hiram sent to Solomon that he might ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/prologue.htm

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

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... The King's power (v.4). His marriage (iv.31). His wisdom (v.9"14). His wife's
dowry (iv.32 ff.). His negociations with King Hiram (v.15"25). ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm