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Almug; Algum

Nature

What is the meaning of Almug; Algum in the Bible?

Almug, also spelled algum, refers to a highly valued timber, likely sandalwood, imported by King Solomon for the construction of the First Temple's pillars and for crafting musical instruments, prized for its distinctive color, fragrance, durability, and texture.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing almug as an exotic import illuminates the breadth of Solomon's international trade networks and underscores the material wealth that accompanied the building of the First Temple, reflecting how such rare resources were employed to demonstrate divine favor and royal prestige within the biblical narrative.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Almug; Algum were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Almug; Algum in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Almug; Algum clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Almug; Algum." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/almug-algum/
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