### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼalgûwmmîym**, represented by `{{H418}}`, refers to **algum (trees)**. The base definition indicates this word is a transposition for אַלְמֻגִּים, describing sticks of algum wood. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively in the context of materials acquired for King Solomon's building projects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼalgûwmmîym** are depicted as a valuable type of **timber** `{{H6086}}` used during the construction of the temple and royal palace. Solomon `{{H8010}}` specifically requested these **algum trees** `{{H418}}` from **Lebanon** `{{H3844}}` alongside **cedar** `{{H730}}` and **fir** `{{H1265}}` trees [[2 Chronicles 2:8]]. The wood was brought by the **servants** `{{H5650}}` of **Huram** `{{H2361}}` and Solomon from **Ophir** `{{H211}}`, arriving with shipments of **gold** `{{H2091}}` and **precious** `{{H3368}}` **stones** `{{H68}}` [[2 Chronicles 9:10]]. The **king** `{{H4428}}` then **made** `{{H6213}}` the algum wood into **terraces** `{{H4546}}` for the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and the king's palace, as well as **harps** `{{H3658}}` and **psalteries** `{{H5035}}` for **singers** `{{H7891}}`, with the text noting that "none such" had been **seen** `{{H7200}}` before in **Judah** `{{H3063}}` [[2 Chronicles 9:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the importance and use of **ʼalgûwmmîym**:
* `{{H6086}}` **ʻêts** (tree, wood, timber): This is the general term for wood, of which **ʼalgûwmmîym** are a specific and valuable type. The scriptures refer to them as **algum** `{{H418}}` **trees** `{{H6086}}` brought by Solomon's servants [[2 Chronicles 9:10]].
* `{{H730}}` **ʼerez** (cedar tree): This valuable **timber** `{{H6086}}` is requested by Solomon along with **ʼalgûwmmîym**, highlighting that both were considered high-quality materials fit for the temple's construction [[2 Chronicles 2:8]].
* `{{H3658}}` **kinnôwr** (harp): This word denotes one of the final products crafted from the **ʼalgûwmmîym** wood. The creation of **harps** `{{H3658}}` and **psalteries** `{{H5035}}` from this special wood underscores its use in the sacred worship and music of the temple [[2 Chronicles 9:11]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H418}}` carries significant thematic weight in the narrative of Solomon's reign.
* **Valuable Offerings:** The pairing of **algum trees** with **gold** `{{H2091}}` from **Ophir** `{{H211}}` and **precious** `{{H3368}}` **stones** `{{H68}}` establishes it as a material of immense value, suitable for honoring God in the construction of His **house** `{{H1004}}` [[2 Chronicles 9:10]].
* **Royal and Sacred Craftsmanship:** The wood was used to create **terraces** `{{H4546}}` for both the **house of the LORD** and the **king's palace**, linking the glory of the kingdom with the worship of God. The craftsmanship was so exceptional that nothing like it had been **seen** `{{H7200}}` before in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` [[2 Chronicles 9:11]].
* **International Alliance for a Divine Purpose:** The acquisition of **ʼalgûwmmîym** was a result of the cooperative efforts between **Solomon** `{{H8010}}` and **Huram** `{{H2361}}`, king of Tyre, sourcing choice materials from foreign lands like **Lebanon** `{{H3844}}` to fulfill the divine mandate of building the temple [[2 Chronicles 2:8]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼalgûwmmîym** `{{H418}}` represents a rare and precious wood of exceptional quality. Though mentioned only a few times, its role is pivotal in illustrating the scale and splendor of King Solomon's building projects. It was sourced internationally, transported alongside **gold** `{{H2091}}`, and used to craft beautiful architectural features and musical instruments for both the royal palace and the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, signifying that only the finest materials were suitable for the worship of God.
TRV