Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Almug, also referred to as algum in some biblical translations, is a type of wood mentioned in the Old Testament. The Hebrew term for almug is "אַלְמֻגִּים" (almuggim), and it is believed to be derived from a non-Semitic origin, possibly linked to the Sanskrit word "valgu," meaning "sandalwood." The exact species of the almug tree is not definitively identified, but it is often associated with the red sandalwood or a similar precious wood. Biblical References: Almug wood is prominently mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign, particularly in relation to the construction and furnishing of the Temple and the royal palace. The primary biblical references to almug wood are found in: 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. Never before had such almug wood been brought in, nor has any been seen to this day." 2. 2 Chronicles 9:10-11 : "The servants of Hiram and the servants 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. Never before had such things been seen in the land of Judah." Historical and Cultural Context: The almug wood was highly valued in ancient Israel for its beauty and durability. It was imported from Ophir, a region renowned for its wealth and exotic goods, though its exact location remains a subject of debate among scholars. The wood's use in the Temple and the royal palace underscores its significance and the opulence of Solomon's reign. The mention of musical instruments crafted from almug wood highlights its acoustic properties, suggesting it was prized not only for its appearance but also for its functional qualities. Theological Significance: The use of almug wood in the construction of the Temple and the royal palace symbolizes the wealth and wisdom bestowed upon Solomon by God. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding the establishment of a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:13). The luxurious materials used in the Temple's construction serve as a testament to the glory and majesty of God, as well as the prosperity of Israel under Solomon's rule. Interpretations and Speculations: While the exact identity of almug wood remains uncertain, its association with luxury and rarity is clear. Some scholars suggest it may have been a type of sandalwood, known for its fragrance and fine grain. Others propose it could have been a now-extinct species or a generic term for high-quality imported wood. The debate over its identification reflects the broader challenges of understanding ancient trade and botanical classifications. Conclusion: The biblical references to almug wood provide insight into the wealth and splendor of Solomon's kingdom, as well as the cultural and economic exchanges of the ancient Near East. Its use in sacred and royal contexts highlights the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship and governance, serving as a reminder of the divine blessings upon Israel during this period. ATS Bible Dictionary AlmugA kind of tree or wood, which Hiram brought from Ophir for the use of Solomon in making pillars for the temple and his own house, and also musical instruments, 1 Kings 10:11 2 Chronicles 2:8. The rabbins call it coral; but it could not be this. It was more probably the tree, which furnishes what is now commonly called Brazil wood, which is also a native of the East Indies, Siam, the Molucca islands, and Japan, and has several species. Its wood is very durable, and is used in fine cabinet work. It yields also a dye of a beautiful red color, for which it is much used. Its resemblance in color to coral may have given occasion for the name almug, which in rabbinic still signifies coral; and thus the meaning of the name would be coral-wood. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1 Kings 10:11, 12) = algum (2 Chronicles 2:8; 9:10, 11), in the Hebrew occurring only in the plural almuggim (indicating that the wood was brought in planks), the name of a wood brought from Ophir to be used in the building of the temple, and for other purposes. Some suppose it to have been the white sandal-wood of India, the Santalum album of botanists, a native of the mountainous parts of the Malabar coasts. It is a fragrant wood, and is used in China for incense in idol-worship. Others, with some probability, think that it was the Indian red sandal-wood, the pterocarpus santalinus, a heavy, fine-grained wood, the Sanscrit name of which is valguka. It is found on the Coromandel coast and in Ceylon. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Algum.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALMUG; ALGUMal'-gum, ('algummim (2 Chronicles 2:8; 2 Chronicles 9:10); ('almuggim, 1 Kings 10:11)): It is generally supposed that these two names refer to one kind of tree, the consonants being transposed as is not uncommon in Semitic words. Solomon sent to Hiram, king of Tyre, saying, "Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, and algum-trees, out of Lebanon" (2 Chronicles 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." In the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 9:10 it is said that "algum-trees and precious stones" were brought. From this wood "the king made. pillars for the house of Yahweh, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for the singers: there came no such almug-trees, nor were seen, unto this day" (1 Kings 10:12). The wood was evidently very precious and apparently came from East Asia-unless we suppose from 2 Chronicles 2:8 that it actually grew on Lebanon, which is highly improbable; it was evidently a fine, close grained wood, suitable for carving. Tradition says that this was the famous sandal wood, which was in ancient times put to similar uses in India and was all through the ages highly prized for its color, fragrance, durability and texture. It is the wood of a tree, Pterocar pussantalinus (N.D. Santalaceae), which grows to a height of 25 to 30 feet; it is a native of the mountains of Malabar. Strong's Hebrew 484. almuggim -- perhaps the sandalwood tree... 483, 484. almuggim. 485 . perhaps the sandalwood tree. Transliteration: almuggim Phonetic Spelling: (al-moog-gheem') Short Definition: almug. ... almug trees. ... /hebrew/484.htm - 6k Library A Royal Seeker after Wisdom Results of Transgression The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Almug (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) Alt. of Algum. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ALMUG; ALGUM. ... EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Almug (2 Occurrences). ... /a/almug.htm - 10k Almug-trees (2 Occurrences) Algum (3 Occurrences) Almugwood (2 Occurrences) Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences) Ophir (12 Occurrences) Lyres (21 Occurrences) Imported (9 Occurrences) Psalteries (16 Occurrences) Stringed (34 Occurrences) Resources Almug: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Almug (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 10:11 1 Kings 10:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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