Definition and Etymology:
Algum is a type of wood mentioned in the Bible, known for its quality and value. The term "algum" is often associated with "almug," and there is some debate among scholars regarding whether these terms refer to the same species of tree. The Hebrew word for algum is "אַלְגּוּמִּים" (algummim).

Biblical References:
Algum wood is mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign and his building projects. The primary references to algum wood are found in 1 Kings 10:11-12 and 2 Chronicles 9:10-11.

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. Such algum wood had never been seen before in the land of Judah."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Algum wood was highly prized in ancient Israel for its beauty and durability. It was imported from Ophir, a region renowned for its wealth and exotic goods. The wood was used in the construction of significant structures, such as the temple and the royal palace, and in the crafting of musical instruments, indicating its esteemed status.

Identification and Characteristics:
The exact identification of the algum tree remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest that it may be the red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), known for its rich color and fine grain. Others propose it could be a type of cedar or a different species native to the regions around the Red Sea or the Indian subcontinent.

Theological Significance:
The use of algum wood in the temple and palace construction highlights the opulence and grandeur of Solomon's kingdom, reflecting God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. The wood's association with musical instruments also underscores the importance of worship and the arts in the spiritual life of Israel.

Symbolism:
Algum wood, as a rare and valuable material, symbolizes the wealth and wisdom of Solomon's reign. It serves as a testament to the prosperity and divine favor enjoyed by Israel during this period. The use of such precious resources in the temple construction signifies the reverence and honor due to God.

Conclusion:
While the precise nature of the algum tree remains a topic of scholarly debate, its biblical references provide insight into the wealth and cultural achievements of ancient Israel under Solomon's rule. The wood's use in sacred and royal contexts underscores its significance and the splendor of the era.Algum

The same as ALMUG, which see.

(2 Chronicles 2:8; 9:10, 11), the same as almug (1 Kings 10:11). 1. (n.) Same as Almug.

2. (n.) A tree or wood of the Bible (2 Chron. ii. 8; 1 K. x. 11).

ALMUG; ALGUM

al'-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.

E. W. G. Masterman

418. algummim -- perhaps a sandalwood tree
... 417, 418. algummim. 419 . perhaps a sandalwood tree. Transliteration: algummim
Phonetic Spelling: (al-goom-meem') Short Definition: algum. ... algum trees. ...
/hebrew/418.htm - 6k

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... o' th' baser sort are here, Nor rough, but squar'd and polish'd everywhere; Her
beams are cedars, fir her rafters be, Her terraces are of the algum-tree; The ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Algum (3 Occurrences)
... ii. 8; 1 Kx 11). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ALMUG; ALGUM. al ... EWG Masterman.
Multi-Version Concordance Algum (3 Occurrences). 2 ...
/a/algum.htm - 9k

Algum-trees (3 Occurrences)
Algum-trees. Algums, Algum-trees. Algumwood . Multi-Version
Concordance Algum-trees (3 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 2:8 ...
/a/algum-trees.htm - 7k

Almug (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (1 Kings 10:11, 12) = algum (2 Chronicles ... Noah Webster's
Dictionary. (n.) Alt. of Algum. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ALMUG; ALGUM...
/a/almug.htm - 10k

Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, and algum-trees, out of Lebanon;
for I know that thy servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and ...
/s/sandal-wood.htm - 8k

Algumwood (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 9:10 And also, servants of Huram, and servants of Solomon, who brought
in gold from Ophir, have brought in algum-trees and precious stone. ...
/a/algumwood.htm - 6k

Trees (179 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon;
for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and ...
/t/trees.htm - 45k

Lyres (21 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 9:11 The king made of the algum trees terraces for the house of Yahweh,
and for the king's house, and harps and stringed instruments for the ...
/l/lyres.htm - 13k

Logs (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon;
for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and ...
/l/logs.htm - 9k

Fir-trees (11 Occurrences)
... (ASV). 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, and algum-trees, out
of Lebanon; for I know that thy servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and ...
/f/fir-trees.htm - 9k

Terraces (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 9:11 The king made of the algum trees terraces for the house of Yahweh,
and for the king's house, and harps and stringed instruments for the ...
/t/terraces.htm - 8k

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