ALMUG , or ALGUM ( 1 Kings 10:11-12 , 2 Chronicles 2:8; 2 Chronicles 9:10-11; the two names are probably variants of the same word, caused by transposition of letters, as is common in Heb. and Arabic). This tree was imported by Solomon from Ophir ( 1 Kings 10:11-12 ) and from Lebanon ( 2 Chronicles 2:8 ) for staircases, balustrades, and musical instruments. There is nothing certain known of the nature of this wood, but as Jewish tradition states that it was a red wood, red sandal wood ( Pterocarpus santalinus ) now used chiefly for its colouring properties has been very generally accepted.

E. W. G. Masterman.