Lign-Aloes

Lign-aloes (Hebrew 'ahalim) refers to a fragrant wood derived from the eaglewood tree (Aquilaria species) of South and Southeast Asia, prized throughout the ancient world for its aromatic resin. It appears in Balaam's oracle comparing Israel's encampment to "trees of lign-aloes which the LORD has planted" (Num. 24:6) and among the fragrant spices of the royal wedding psalm (Ps. 45:8). It is distinct from the medicinal succulent aloe (Aloe vera); the biblical lign-aloes denotes the aromatic heartwood still known as oud or agarwood, one of the most valuable perfume materials of antiquity.