Tyre, which had become independent after Egyptian influence in Phoenicia declined, eventually surpasses Sidon as a trade center, developing commercial relations with all parts of the Mediterranean world.

The town is frequently mentioned in the Bible as having had close ties with Israel. (Jewish sacred literature contains over two hundred references to Hiram, most referring to King Hiram I of Tyre, but several telling of Hiram, the skillful designer sent by the Tyrean King to help Solomon in building the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the Beth HaMikdash.

The non-royal Hiram, mentioned in the Bible as the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali and a man of Tyre (I Kings 7:14) or the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan and a man of Tyre (II Chronicles), is known in later Masonic tradition as Hiram Abiff, a character who figures prominently in an allegorical play that is presented during the third degree of Craft Freemasonry.

Books of the Bible relates that Hiram of Tyre allied himself with King David of the United Kingdom of Israel as well as that the status of both Kings was equal and that the treaty between them was a parity treaty (2 Samuel 05:11, 1 Kings 05:01, 1 Chronicles 14:01).

After the death of King David, Solomon, a son of David, succeeded to David's throne and Hiram continued the relation with Israel through King Solomon, the upcoming power of the region.

They were also said to be equals (1 Kings 9:13, Amos 1:9) Through the alliance with Solomon, Hiram ensured himself access to the major trade routes to Egypt, Arabia and Mesopotamia.

The two kings also joined forces in starting a trade route over the Red Sea, connecting the Israelite harbor of Ezion-Geber with a land called Ophir (2 Chronicles 8:16,17).

Both kings grew rich through this trade and Hiram sent Solomon architects, workmen and cedar wood to build the First Temple in Jerusalem.

He also extended the Tyrean harbor, enlarged the city by joining the two islands on which it was built, and built a royal palace and a temple for Melqart (Against Apion i:17).