QC The Power of the Phoneme F; The Case of Hiram

By: Draško Miletić

From ancient scripts to modern art, this study examines phonetic evolution, historical misinterpretations, and cultural reverence, illuminating the timeless wisdom of the Master Architect.

As a member of the Lodge Quatuor Coronati, sworn to intellectual honor, facts, arguments, and truthfulness, let me discuss THE POWER OF THE PHONEME F: THE CASE OF HIRAM.

This work offers an in-depth exploration of the verb to be as I stand beneath four crowns in the Orient, where the first lodge was established by Count Andreas Hadik in 1785, late in the 18th century.

Thus, the Primum Masonicum of Serbia begins here, providing a sublime perspective, knowledge, and insight.

It draws me close to neologisms and syntactic calembours, to much more playful language, yet leading me to more objective interpretations and suggestions despite the challenges, uncertainties, and randomness present.

The curved or straight words, along with a mark, perhaps provocative to some readers, strengthen my thoughts and stimulate curiosity, encouraging a deeper engagement of inner skills. My mind enters a realm of rare peace, achieving clarity while confronting the darker aspects of existence.

This internal struggle compels me to strive for a break from non-existence. This journey is merely a step toward Truth, fulfilling the commitment made by all brothers.

Therefore, dear brothers, drawing upon ancient scripts, words, images, legends and myths, historical sources, and secondary ones, along with mental principles, signs, and allegories, I present a few paragraphs about Abi Hiram, the embodiment of all Masonic symbols.

This work, titled The Case of Hiram, explores the significance of the phoneme F. I must emphasize that the concept of an unknown time and space framework led to a transformation and unequivocal privatization of the Master Architect Hiram.

The respectful title he had, Abi, which translates to father, esteemed, or highly respected, eventually evolved into a surname, Abiff, with a double last letter.

While adding a surname can create a distinction of identity, even though a person is more grounded in himself and the local history, adding and carrying a surname, no matter how much that identity possession distinguishes us from others, I must acknowledge that a significant forgery took place.

A thousand years BC. Surnames did not exist. There was only a spatial determination, and individuals were identified primarily by their geographic roots: Saul from Navin, Ariel from Jerusalem, and Paltibal from Sidon.

Moreover, the phoneme f did not exist in ancient Hebrew, making the surname Abiff linguistically impossible.

It is well-known that the first surnames emerged in France in the 12th century, generically and etymologically derived from an occupation: Pierre Beauxart, Claude Pecher, and Marcel Cordonier corresponding to Artist, Fisherman, and Shoemaker, respectively.

Although these names and surnames might be fictional, they represent real people who undoubtedly lived along coasts or in city arrondissements. After all, a life without beauty, fish, and shoes is neither sublime nor healthy or firm in footing.

Furthermore, in the NIV (New International Version) of the Hebrew Second Book of Chronicles (דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים ב), in the second chapter, verses eleven to eighteen, the king of Tyre, Hiram the First, responded to King David, monarch of Jerusalem, requesting a skilled builder to build a house for the name of the LORD my God.

He stated Such a man, endowed with understanding, master in working with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as stone, wood, scarlet, and purple velvet, skilled in carving, who imagines every work entrusted to him is called Abi Hiram.

He will work alongside your artists and the artists of my master David, your father.

Thus, dear brothers, the significance of the word Abi is clear. Ancient Jewish culture conveys a sense of honor and respect for individuals regarded as supreme of the craft.

There is an intriguing possibility that the name Hiram may also connect to Hammurabi, the ancient figure renowned for the law. Some Jewish writings suggest a mispronunciation combining two words, resulting in Hiramabi.

Regardless, these etymological inconsistencies certainly add charm to our Brotherhood, reminding us that all interpretations of the name ultimately reflect themes of Wisdom and Sublimeness.

However, Abi Hiram, the widow’s son, is recognized for his primogeniture, which remains undisputed. While some speculate that he was King Hiram the First, it is evident that the King of Tyre paid immense honor to the monarch of Jerusalem, David Solomon, who was revered as The One and Only.

Although the idea that Hiram the First might have seized the chance to showcase his skills as a Master Craftsman is appealing, it is ultimately unlikely.

For Hiram the First, the welfare or defense of the realm was paramount. The potential loss of authority and power by leaving the throne during the seven and a half years needed to construct the First Temple was too immense to risk.

His dedication to secure the order, given the need to suppress a rebellion in the first Tyrian colony of Utica, further illustrates that Hiram the First would not forsake his responsibilities over the kingdom, over the ultimate sign of power.

This commitment to governate was far more significant to him than the construction of a temple, regardless of its importance.

Referencing the play Richard III, the phrase A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse illustrates the desperate decline of royal authority that Hiram would not have faced.

Additionally, ancient manuscripts indicate that the monarch of Jerusalem sent a substantial caravan of gifts to express his gratitude to the King of Tyre.

After the convoy of Cammilles delivered many presents to Hiram the First, gold, silver, diamonds, oil, and wheat, the guards discreetly escorted Abi Hiram to distant Jerusalem, safeguarding him from potential ambushes and attacks by wild animals.

Without this protection, the Primordial Construction may not have been possible. Also, the monotheistic mantra, the true essence of faith, would not have been given: I encourage and challenge you to seek intimacy with God daily.

IMAGE LINKED:  wikimedia Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Finally, one more point, dear brothers: Hiram is depicted on the stained glass from the nineteenth century in the John the Baptist Church in Chester, North-West England.

In this artwork, Abi Hiram, the Architect and Master, stands between the pillars of Boaz and Jachin. Without the surname used.

IMAGE LINKED:  wikimedia Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Additionally, Hiram exists in the work of Berlin sculptor Nickolaus-Otto Kruch, who created a bronze statue of him in 2013.

This statue does not include a surname. In summary, fine art has made its statement on this sensitive matter.

As a brother in the Masonic Research Lodge, Quatuor Coronati, I am committed to the Truth. Therefore, pronouncing the surname Abiff could lead to confusion. Do not, dear brothers, let that happened.

I have said!

Worshipful Master, my work is over.
3×3
Belgrade, December 8, 6024AL
Bro. Draško:.Miletić:. DAR

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