Editing Hiram I (section)

== Hiram I of Tyre: ally and potential facilitator of Solomon's Golden Age ==
Hiram I, king of Tyre, ruled a powerful Phoenician city-state during the 10th century BCE.  The exact dates of his reign are debated by scholars, with estimates placing it between 980 and 947 BCE. His reign coincided with the rise of the United Kingdom of Israel under King David and his son, Solomon. The available evidence, primarily drawn from the Hebrew Bible and archaeological discoveries, suggests a potentially significant relationship between Hiram and the Israelite kings, particularly Solomon.<ref name=":2" />

The Hebrew Bible portrays Hiram as a close associate of the Israelite monarchs (1 Kings 5:1-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2-16).<ref>{{Cite book |last=1 Kings 5:1-18; 2 Chronicles 2:2-16 |title=Old Testament}}</ref> According to the biblical narrative, Hiram supplied skilled laborers, cedar wood, and other materials to King David for the construction of his palace in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 14:1).<ref>{{Cite book |last=1 Chronicles 14:1 |title=Old Testament}}</ref> This account, while potentially embellished, hints at a cooperative relationship between the two leaders.<ref name=":0" />

However, it is during Solomon's reign that the most detailed descriptions of Hiram's role emerge. The Bible describes a specific agreement between the two kings for the construction of monumental projects in Jerusalem: Solomon's Temple and his royal palace (1 Kings 5).<ref>{{Cite book |last=1 Kings 5 |title=Old Testament}}</ref> This agreement, if factual, suggests a formalized partnership. The narrative details that Hiram provided skilled laborers, artisans, and vast quantities of prized cedar and cypress wood from the forests of Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6-10). In return, Solomon offered Tyre essential resources like wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine (1 Kings 5:11-12).<ref>{{Cite book |last=1 Kings 5:11-12 |title=Old Testament}}</ref> This exchange, if accurately depicted, highlights the potential for a mutually beneficial economic relationship fostered by the agreement.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Grabbe |first=Lester |title=Ancient Israel: What do we know and how do we know it? |year=2007}}</ref>

Beyond the Hebrew Bible, references to Hiram are limited. Notably, Josephus, a 1st-century CE Jewish historian, mentions Hiram in his work "Against Apion" (i:18).<ref name=":1" /> Citing Menander of Ephesus, a 3rd-century BCE historian, Josephus credits Hiram with quelling a rebellion in the Phoenician colony of Utica (near modern-day Carthage). Rabbanic Literature identifies Hiram as one of the four men who pretended to be gods.<ref>[The other three were Pharaoh; Josah of Judah and Nebuchadnezzar (Louis Ginzberg's The Legends of the Jews From Moses to Esther; Notes for Volumes Three and Four(p.423)]</ref>Nebuchadnezzar was equally victorious in his expedition against Tyre, whose king, Hiram, his stepfather, he dethroned and put to a painful death (Lev. R. xviii. 2; Yalḳ., Ezek. 367).<ref>[https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/11407-nebuchadnezzar#anchor3 Jewish Encyclopedia Nebuchadnezzar]</ref>

While limited historical evidence exists outside the Bible, it suggests a period of prosperity and expansion for Tyre under Hiram's leadership. The potential alliance with Israel could have provided Tyre with access to valuable resources and new markets. Conversely, Solomon might have benefitted from Tyre's skilled workforce and expertise in maritime trade and construction.<ref name=":3" /> Further research is necessary to definitively establish the nature and extent of their collaboration. Regardless, Hiram's reign likely marked a period of significant cultural and economic exchange between the two kingdoms, with a lasting impact on the region.