Day 26 – Algum

(Pterocarpus santalinus)

“And the servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomon, which brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones. 11And 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 9:10-11 KJV

During Solomon’s reign as king, more algum (or almug) wood was imported than ever seen previously in Israel to use in the construction of the terraces of the Temple. These trees yield heavy, fine-grained wood that is notably black on the surface yet polishes to rich ruby color. It is a strong, durable wood impervious to most insects like termites. No insects will live inside the wood making it pure and incorruptible.

As we are pillars in our communities upholding the “house of the Lord” (church), the algum symbolises Jesus, the Tree (or Pillar) of life, the Temple of God. We should stand strong in our faith like these algum pillars for all to look and see Jesus as the Pillar in our lives. When we stand strong, proud, and polished we are resistant to those pesky little “insects” (the worries and cares of the world wanting to eat away at you).

Prayer: Father, today I ask that You polish me to be strong and beautiful like the algum so I can be a pillar for You just like Jesus is the Pillar of life. May I be impervious to the “insects” of this world knowing that You are in control of everything, and I can cast my cares and worries of this world onto Jesus, my Pillar. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza