Almug-trees, also referred to as algum-trees in some biblical translations, are mentioned in the Old Testament as a source of valuable wood used in the construction and adornment of significant structures and items during the reign of King Solomon. The precise identification of almug-trees remains a topic of scholarly debate, but they are generally considered to be a type of exotic, high-quality wood.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 10:11-12 : "The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great cargo of almug wood and precious stones. The king made the almug wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. So much almug wood has never been brought in or seen since that day."

2. 2 Chronicles 9:10-11 : "The servants of Hiram and of Solomon who brought gold from Ophir also brought algum wood and precious stones. The king made the algum wood into steps for the house of the LORD and for the king’s palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers. So much of this kind of wood has never been seen before."

Historical and Cultural Context:

The almug-trees are noted for their rarity and the beauty of their wood, which was highly prized in ancient Israel. The wood was imported from Ophir, a region famed for its wealth and resources, though its exact location remains uncertain. The mention of almug-trees in conjunction with gold and precious stones underscores their value and the opulence of Solomon's reign.

The wood was used for making steps in the temple and the royal palace, as well as musical instruments such as lyres and harps. This indicates that almug wood was not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing, suitable for both structural and artistic purposes.

Theological Significance:

The use of almug wood in the temple and palace highlights the splendor and divine favor associated with Solomon's kingdom. The temple, as the dwelling place of the LORD, was constructed with the finest materials available, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God. The inclusion of almug wood in the temple's construction reflects the dedication to creating a space worthy of divine presence.

Furthermore, the musical instruments crafted from almug wood were likely used in worship, contributing to the rich liturgical life of Israel. Music played a significant role in the worship practices of ancient Israel, and the use of such exquisite materials for instruments underscores the importance of worship in the life of the nation.

Botanical Identification:

While the exact species of almug-trees is not definitively known, some scholars suggest that it may refer to the red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) or a similar species known for its fine grain and aromatic qualities. The identification remains speculative, as the term "almug" does not correspond directly to any known species in modern taxonomy.

In summary, almug-trees represent the wealth, artistry, and devotion of Solomon's era, serving as a testament to the grandeur of the temple and the cultural achievements of ancient Israel.484. almuggim -- perhaps the sandalwood tree
... almug trees. Probably of foreign derivation (used thus only in the plural); almug
(ie Probably sandle-wood) sticks -- almug trees. Compare 'alguwmmiym. ...
/hebrew/484.htm - 6k

A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from
Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.12. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a royal seeker after wisdom.htm

Results of Transgression
... Tyre, "with the servants of Solomon," manned these vessels on voyages "to Ophir,
and fetched from thence gold," and "great plenty of almug trees, and precious ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Almug-trees (2 Occurrences)
Almug-trees. Almug, Almug-trees. Almugwood . Multi-Version
Concordance Almug-trees (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:11 And ...
/a/almug-trees.htm - 7k

Almug (2 Occurrences)
... 2:8). In 1 Kings 10:11 it is said that the navy of Hiram "that brought gold from
Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug-trees and precious stones ...
/a/almug.htm - 10k

Almugwood (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:11 And also, the navy of Hiram that bore gold from Ophir, brought in
from Ophir almug-trees very many, and precious stone; (See NIV). ...
/a/almugwood.htm - 7k

Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought
in from Ophir great plenty of almug-trees and precious stones. ...
/s/sandal-wood.htm - 8k

Lyres (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 The king made of the almugtrees pillars for the house of Yahweh,
and for the king's house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers ...
/l/lyres.htm - 13k

Imported (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 The king made of the almugtrees pillars for the house of Yahweh,
and for the king's house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers ...
/i/imported.htm - 9k

Psalteries (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the almugtrees pillars for the house of the
LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there ...
/p/psalteries.htm - 12k

Algum (3 Occurrences)
... 2:8). In 1 Kings 10:11 it is said that the navy of Hiram "that brought gold from
Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug-trees and precious stones ...
/a/algum.htm - 9k

Stringed (34 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 The king made of the almugtrees pillars for the house of Yahweh,
and for the king's house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers ...
/s/stringed.htm - 18k

Supports (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 and the king maketh the almug-trees a support for the house of Jehovah,
and for the house of the king, and harps and psalteries for singers ...
/s/supports.htm - 14k

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