- Algum
Algum (sometimes rendered Almug) is a type of
wood referred to in theBible .Biblical Reference
According to the Book of First Kings (1 Kings 10:12), and the Second Book of Chronicles (II Chronicles 2:8; 9:10-11), it was used, together with
cedar andpine , in the construction ofSolomon's Temple including the crafting of musical instruments for use in the Temple. Likely thewood was brought by the ships ofTarshish , sent from theRed Sea port of Ezion-Giber, from the distant country ofOphir , and was very valuable.Botanical classification
The botanical identity of algum is not known for certain, though some references suggest it may be
juniper ("Juniperus"). Several species of juniper occur in theMiddle East region, including "Juniperus excelsa " (Greek Juniper), "Juniperus foetidissima " (Stinking Juniper), "Juniperus phoenicea " (Phoenician Juniper), and "Juniperus drupacea " (Syrian Juniper). It is likely that the woods of these species, which are all very similar in woodworking properties, would have not been distinguished from each other in the wood trade. The difficulty in identifying this wood is due in part to uncertainty over the location of the Biblical city of Ophir. If Ophir is located in India, as some think, the wood likely would be redsandlewood orPterocarpus santalinus . [ cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible |title=Plants of the Bible |page=1702|volume=2|publisher=Baker Book House|location=Grand Rapids, Michigan|date=1988|last=Elwell|First=Walter A.|coauthors=Beitzel, Barry J.|accessdate=2007-09-27]References
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