1 Kings 10:12

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.

Commentary

1 Kings 10:12 describes the extraordinary materials King Solomon used in his magnificent building projects, specifically focusing on the rare "almug trees" imported during his reign of unparalleled prosperity.

Context

This verse is part of the broader narrative detailing the immense wealth, wisdom, and glory of King Solomon, particularly after the visit of the Queen of Sheba, which showcased his unprecedented affluence. The almug (or algum, as it's called in 2 Chronicles 9:10) wood was brought by Hiram's fleet from Ophir, a distant land renowned for its gold, precious stones, and exotic timbers. The preceding verse, 1 Kings 10:11, explicitly states that these trees arrived alongside vast quantities of gold. The rarity of this wood is emphasized by the declaration that "there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day," highlighting the unique and blessed era of Solomon's rule.

Key Themes

  • Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Magnificence: The use of such rare and exotic materials underscores the incredible riches and resources at Solomon's disposal, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to bless him (1 Kings 3:13). This period represents the zenith of Israel's earthly kingdom.
  • Dedication to God's House: A significant portion of the almug wood was designated for "pillars for the house of the LORD," emphasizing Solomon's commitment to building and adorning the Temple with the finest possible materials. This reflects a profound reverence for God's dwelling place among His people (see 1 Kings 6:1 for the Temple's construction).
  • Worship and Music: The creation of "harps also and psalteries for singers" highlights the importance of music in the Temple worship. These instruments were integral to the Levitical choir, signifying a well-organized and elaborate system of praise and worship before God (Psalm 150:3 mentions such instruments).
  • Divine Provision: The availability of such unprecedented resources speaks to God's abundant provision for His purposes and for those who walk in obedience to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "almug trees" (or "algum" in 2 Chronicles) is believed by many scholars to refer to a type of sandalwood, a highly prized and fragrant wood native to distant lands. Its rarity and value made it suitable for the most significant structures and instruments. "Pillars" could refer to structural supports or decorative railings. "Harps" (Hebrew: kinnor) and "psalteries" (Hebrew: nevel) were common stringed instruments, central to ancient Israelite music and particularly prominent in Temple liturgy.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God often provides abundantly for His work, sometimes in extraordinary ways, as He did for Solomon's Temple. It encourages us to dedicate our best resources, talents, and efforts to God's glory, whether in building up His church, serving others, or expressing worship through arts like music. The care and excellence displayed in using these rare materials for both the Temple and for worship instruments underscore the principle of giving God our finest, recognizing that He is worthy of our utmost devotion and resources.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 92:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Revelation 14:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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