Khiram

Khiram, also spelled Hiram, is a name with biblical and historical significance. It typically refers to one or more individuals associated with the ancient kingdom of Tyre, a Phoenician city-state.

Most notably, Hiram I, King of Tyre (c. 969-936 BCE), is a key figure in the Hebrew Bible. He is described as a contemporary and ally of Kings David and Solomon of Israel. Hiram I provided cedarwood, fir, and skilled craftsmen to David for the construction of his palace (2 Samuel 5:11) and later to Solomon for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5-10; 2 Chronicles 2-7). The biblical accounts portray a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between Tyre and Israel during this period. Hiram's artisans also furnished gold and precious stones for the Temple's adornment.

Another Hiram, mentioned in the Bible (1 Kings 7:13-14; 2 Chronicles 2:13-14), is described as a skilled craftsman from Tyre. He is said to have been the son of a Tyrian woman and an Israelite man from the tribe of Naphtali (or Dan, in some accounts). This Hiram was instrumental in the construction of the Temple's bronze works, including the pillars Jachin and Boaz, the molten sea (a large basin), and various other vessels and implements. He is often referred to as Hiram Abiff in Masonic traditions, though the biblical texts do not include this additional name.

The name "Khiram" or "Hiram" carries connotations of nobility and skill, particularly in relation to craftsmanship and international diplomacy in the ancient Near East. The historical accounts, primarily derived from the Hebrew Bible, highlight the important role of Tyre and its kings in the political and architectural landscape of the region during the reigns of David and Solomon.