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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.

1 Kings 10:12 · King James Version

Meaning

During the construction of the House of the Lord and the King's house, King Solomon used almug trees to make pillars, harps, and psalteries for the singers. The almug trees were valued for their rarity and beauty, as they were not commonly found or seen up to the present day. The choice of these unique trees highlights the importance and grandeur of the buildings being constructed. The pillars made from almug trees added a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the House of the Lord, symbolizing strength and stability. The harps and psalteries made from these trees were instrumental in worship, adding a musical element to the services held in the temple. This verse serves as a reminder of the intricate details and exquisite materials used to honor and glorify the Lord in the construction of His house.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the mention of almug trees is particularly intriguing, as it is a rare and unique wood not commonly found. The almug tree was known for its durability, beauty, and pleasant fragrance, making it a precious material in ancient times. The fact that the king chose to use this rare wood for pillars in the house of the LORD and for musical instruments like harps and psalteries highlights the importance and grandeur of the construction. The almug wood was also used for the king's house, emphasizing the extravagance and wealth of the monarchy. The scarcity of almug trees is emphasized by the statement that no such trees were found or seen until the day this verse was written, further underscoring the special nature of the material used for these projects.

1 Kings 10:12 in other translations

American Standard Version

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.

World English Bible

The king made of the almug trees pillars for Yahweh’s house, and for the king’s house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen, to this day.

Douay-Rheims

And the king made of the thyine trees the rails of the house of the Lord, and of the king's house: and citterns and harps for singers: there were no such thyine trees as these brought nor seen unto this day.)

Geneva Bible (1599)

And the King made of ye Almuggim trees pillars for the house of the Lord, and for ye Kings palace, and made harpes and psalteries for singers. There came no more such Almuggim trees, nor were any more seene vnto this day.