Bible Dictionary
TERRACE
A terrace was a raised walk or platform made from algum wood. Solomon is said to have made such features for the house of the Lord, though the parallel account describes related objects as pillars or supports.
Definition
A terrace was a raised walk or platform. In the account of Solomon’s works, terraces or raised walks are said to have been made from algum trees brought from Ophir for the house of Yahweh.
Biblical Usage
The terrace reference occurs in the account of Solomon’s construction and furnishings for the house of Yahweh. The parallel account in Kings uses a different term, rendered “pillars” or, in the margin, “a railing” or “prop.”
Historical Background
The precise object is uncertain because the parallel passages use different descriptions. The material named is algum wood brought from Ophir.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ter'-as (mecillah): Solomon is said, in 2Ch 9:11, to have made of the algum trees brought him from Ophir "terraces," or raised walks, for the house of Yahweh. In the parallel 1Ki 10:12, the word used is rendered "pillars," margin "`a railing'; Hebrew `a prop.'"</p>