What were "almug trees" and why were they so special?

"Almug trees," also called "algum trees" in 2 Chronicles, are widely believed by scholars to refer to a type of sandalwood (likely Pterocarpus santalinus or a similar precious timber). They were exceptionally special because they were extremely rare, imported from the distant and wealthy land of Ophir, and valued for their beauty, durability, and fragrant properties. The text explicitly states that "there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day," highlighting their unprecedented nature and emphasizing the unique prosperity and divine favor enjoyed during Solomon's reign.

Why were these trees used for both the Temple and the king's house?

The dual use of these precious almug trees for both "the house of the LORD" and "the king's house" reflects the intertwined nature of the sacred and the royal in ancient Israel. While the Temple was paramount as God's dwelling place, the king's palace also symbolized the glory, stability, and prosperity of the kingdom, which was understood to be under divine blessing. This demonstrates that God's abundant provision extended to all aspects of Solomon's reign, allowing him to build magnificent structures that reflected both God's glory and the splendor of His anointed king.

What is the significance of "harps and psalteries for singers"?

The crafting of "harps also and psalteries for singers" from this rare wood highlights the central and highly valued role of music in Israelite worship, particularly within the Temple liturgy. These instruments were essential for the Levitical choirs and musicians who led the people in praise and adoration. Their construction from such precious material underscores the importance placed on beauty, excellence, and the dedication of the finest resources to the worship of God, signifying a well-organized and elaborate system of praise.

10:11 10:11

1 Kings 10:12

10:13 10:13

Bible Versions

And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.

And the king {H4428} made {H6213} of the almug {H484} trees {H6086} pillars {H4552} for the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and for the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, harps {H3658} also and psalteries {H5035} for singers {H7891}: there came {H935} no such almug {H484} trees {H6086}, nor were seen {H7200} unto this day {H3117}.

The king used the sandalwood to make columns for the house of ADONAI and for the royal palace, and also lyres and lutes for the singers. No sandalwood like it has come or been seen to this day.

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 such been seen to this day.)

And the king made of the almug-trees pillars for the house of Jehovah, 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Psalms 92:1

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
Psalms 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
1 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
1 Chronicles 25:31

The four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, [he], his sons, and his brethren, [were] twelve.
Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
Revelation 14:3

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Psalms 150:3

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

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