And the king made of the algum trees terraces to the house of the LORD, and to the king's palace, and harps and psalteries for singers: and there were none such seen before in the land of Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 9:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 9:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 9:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 9:11 describes how King Solomon used algum trees to build terraces for the temple of the LORD and his own palace, as well as to make musical instruments for the singers. The verse highlights that such craftsmanship and materials had never been seen before in Judah.

This verse is part of the account of Solomon’s reign, specifically after he received gifts from the Queen of Sheba. The algum wood was a rare and valuable material brought from distant lands, and its use for both construction and music shows the wealth and splendor of Solomon’s kingdom. The mention of the singers’ instruments also points to the importance of worship and music in temple life.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 9:11

  • אַלְגּוּמִּים (algummim, transliterated “algum”): This word refers to a type of valuable wood, possibly sandalwood or a similar rare tree. Its exact identification is uncertain, but its rarity and value are clear from the context.
  • מַעֲלוֹת (ma‘alot, transliterated “terraces”): This word can mean steps, stairways, or terraces. Here, it likely refers to architectural features or platforms, showing the grandeur of the temple and palace.
  • כִּנּוֹרוֹת (kinnorot, transliterated “harps”) and נְבָלִים (nevalim, transliterated “psalteries”): These are musical instruments used by temple singers. Their mention emphasizes the role of music in worship and the high quality of materials used.

Why 2 Chronicles 9:11 matters

  • This verse shows the extraordinary resources and artistry that went into building and furnishing both the temple and the royal palace, setting Solomon’s reign apart in Israel’s history.
  • The mention of musical instruments made from the same precious wood as the temple’s terraces highlights the importance of worship and the arts in the spiritual life of Judah.
  • By stating that nothing like this had been seen before in Judah, the verse underscores the uniqueness and prosperity of Solomon’s era, connecting to the broader theme of his wisdom and the blessings on his kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“algum” Hebrew H418 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
  • 2 Chronicles 9:10 And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

“terraces” Hebrew H4546 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 20:19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
  • 2 Samuel 20:13 When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
  • Isaiah 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

“psalteries” Hebrew H5035 · used in 37 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • Psalms 108:2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

“harps” Hebrew H3658 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:21 And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:3 Of Jeduthun: the sons of Jeduthun; Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD.
  • Psalms 81:2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.