Sandal-wood, known for its fragrant aroma and fine quality, is mentioned in the Bible in the context of King Solomon's wealth and the construction of the Temple. The Hebrew term for sandal-wood is "almug" or "algum," and it is referenced in the Old Testament as a valuable and exotic wood imported from distant lands.

Biblical References:

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 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:

Sandal-wood was highly prized in the ancient Near East for its rarity and aromatic properties. It was often used in the construction of luxurious items and buildings, as well as in the crafting of musical instruments. The wood's mention in the context of Solomon's reign highlights the opulence and international trade connections of Israel during this period.

The exact identification of "almug" or "algum" wood has been a subject of scholarly debate. Some suggest it may refer to red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), which is native to India and known for its deep red color and fragrance. Others propose it could be a type of cedar or a different species altogether. Regardless of its precise botanical identity, the wood's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores its significance and value.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In the Bible, sandal-wood is associated with the grandeur and splendor of Solomon's kingdom, reflecting the wisdom and blessing bestowed upon him by God. The use of such precious materials in the Temple and royal palace signifies the importance of these structures as centers of worship and governance. The beauty and rarity of sandal-wood can also be seen as a metaphor for the divine provision and the richness of God's creation.

The mention of sandal-wood in the context of musical instruments further emphasizes the role of worship and praise in the life of Israel. Music played a vital part in the religious and cultural practices of the Israelites, and the use of high-quality materials for instruments highlights the dedication to excellence in worship.

Conclusion:

While the precise nature of sandal-wood remains uncertain, its biblical references provide insight into the wealth, trade, and cultural practices of ancient Israel. The wood's association with Solomon's reign and the Temple construction serves as a testament to the prosperity and divine favor experienced by Israel during this golden age.484. almuggim -- perhaps the sandalwood tree
... 483, 484. almuggim. 485 . perhaps the sandalwood tree. Transliteration: almuggim
Phonetic Spelling: (al-moog-gheem') Short Definition: almug. ...
/hebrew/484.htm - 6k

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

Solomon
... pomp and show"would talk and dream of the lost glories of Solomon's court; of his
gilded and jewelled temple, with its pillars of sandal-wood from Ophir, and ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... "Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward;" if the fuel be a log of
sweet-smelling sandal wood, yet the sparks must rise, and even so the best of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

"Love and I" --A Mystery
... which you place upon it. Pile on the logs of sandal wood, and let the
perfumed fires burn before the Lord. Heap on the handfuls ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/love and ia mystery.htm

Jewish Homes
... inlaid. Generally the woodwork is of the common sycamore, sometimes of
olive or cedar, and in palaces even of Indian sandal-wood. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... that oriental monarchs of immense possessions, are not content with burning common
coals in these cressets, but frequently consume sandal-wood and other woods ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Missed Ends
... desolate? His was the spirit of fragrance like the scented sandal-wood; his
was the arm of strength like the lock that barred the door. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vi missed ends.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... railing. Contrariwise he gives blessing in return for cursing; like the
sandal-wood tree which perfumes the axe which cuts it. Blessed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

Are You Mocked?
... The blood they shed redeemed them that shed it. We have heard the old story of the
sandal-wood tree that perfumes the axe that cuts it. Do you so, O Christian! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences)
Sandal-wood. Sandal-thong, Sandal-wood. Sandbar . Multi-Version
Concordance Sandal-wood (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:11 ...
/s/sandal-wood.htm - 8k

Lutes (16 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the sandal-wood a balustrade for the house
of Jehovah, and for the king's house, and harps and lutes for the singers. ...
/l/lutes.htm - 11k

Musicians (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And from the sandal-wood the king made pillars for the house of the
Lord, and for the king's house, and instruments of music for the makers of ...
/m/musicians.htm - 8k

Makers (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And from the sandal-wood the king made pillars for the house of the
Lord, and for the king's house, and instruments of music for the makers of ...
/m/makers.htm - 13k

Almug (2 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/a/almug.htm - 10k

Melody (55 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And from the sandal-wood the king made pillars for the house of the
Lord, and for the king's house, and instruments of music for the makers of ...
/m/melody.htm - 24k

Balustrade (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the sandal-wood a balustrade for the house of
Jehovah, and for the king's house, and harps and lutes for the singers. ...
/b/balustrade.htm - 7k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 10:11 And the sea-force of Hiram, in addition to gold from
Ophir, came back with much sandal-wood and jewels. (BBE). ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Addition (112 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). 1 Kings 10:11 And the sea-force of Hiram, in addition to gold
from Ophir, came back with much sandal-wood and jewels. (BBE). ...
/a/addition.htm - 37k

Ophir (12 Occurrences)
... fuller list of 1 Kings 10:22. "Almug"-wood is conjectured to be the Indian
sandal-wood. Another argument is based on the resemblance ...
/o/ophir.htm - 16k

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