Definition: "Agalwood," also known as aldehyde, is a chemical compound found in plants such as pine needles, birch leaves, and juniper branches. It is composed of two molecules of carbon monoxide (CO2) bonded together by hydrogen atoms. The term "agalwoods" derives from its use in the Bible, where it was used to describe a type of wood that grows wild on the mountains near Jerusalem. The word appears in various Old Testament texts where it refers to trees with an unusual, dense growth habit. In the New Testament, specifically found in Acts 7:23, Jesus' name is mentioned as someone who called himself "the angel of light" and described his followers as having a peculiar nature or agalwood. This term likely alludes to a distinctive wood that grows wild on the mountain and serves as a symbol of spiritual growth and enlightenment. The word's exact meaning in this context may be debated among scholars, as different interpretations have been proposed over time. Some believe it refers specifically to the white sap of alder, while others see it in broader terms referring to various types of tree sap or a type of wood that grows wild on mountainous areas and is used for ceremonial purposes or healing. The use of agalwood in worship was significant in ancient Judaism and Christianity as early as the 2nd century AD, where it was often seen as a sign of divine protection.

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