Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly during the periods of temple construction and city rebuilding. Known for its skilled artisans and abundant resources, Tyre was a key ally in providing materials essential for these monumental projects.

Historical Context

Tyre was a prominent maritime city, renowned for its trade and craftsmanship. The city was famous for its production of purple dye and its skilled shipbuilders and carpenters. Its strategic location and economic prowess made it a vital partner for Israel during the reigns of King David and King Solomon, as well as during the post-exilic period.

Timber for Solomon's Temple

The most notable contribution of Tyre to Israel was during the construction of Solomon's Temple. King Hiram of Tyre, a contemporary and ally of King Solomon, provided cedar and cypress timber from the forests of Lebanon, which were highly prized for their quality and durability. This collaboration is detailed 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 your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians." When Hiram received Solomon’s message, he rejoiced greatly and said, "Blessed be the LORD today! He has given David a wise son over this great people." Then Hiram sent word to Solomon, saying: "I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber. My servants will bring the logs from Lebanon to the sea, and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place you indicate to me. There I will break them apart, and you can take them away. In return, you are to meet my needs by providing food for my household."

This partnership not only facilitated the construction of the temple but also strengthened the political and economic ties between Israel and Tyre.

Rebuilding Efforts Post-Exile

Centuries later, after the Babylonian exile, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city. Once again, the resources from Tyre were instrumental. Ezra 3:7 records the procurement of materials for the second temple:

"Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia."

The involvement of Tyre in these rebuilding efforts underscores the city's continued importance as a supplier of essential materials and its enduring relationship with Israel.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

The contributions of Tyre to the construction and rebuilding of the temple and city highlight the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern societies. Tyre's role as a supplier of timber not only facilitated the physical construction of these sacred spaces but also symbolized the cooperation and mutual benefit between Israel and its neighbors. The alliance with Tyre, particularly under the leadership of King Hiram, is remembered as a period of peace and prosperity, reflecting the broader theme of divine provision and blessing in the biblical narrative.Ezra 3:7
They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, to them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book 1.
... the mountain called Libanus, and got timber Of cedar ... of Nebuchadnezzar he began to
besiege Tyre, and Cyrus ... was with him, while the country supplied all that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the olive trees and vines which had supplied him with ... The destruction of Sidon must
have allowed Tyre to develop ... Dagon, he was brought into the temple to amuse ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... ran through wide wadys, tolerably well supplied with water ... inhabitants of the Lebanon
to cut timber from their ... The Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon had too many ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

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