Lexical Summary Shittim: Shittim Original Word: שִׁטִּים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shittim The same as the plural of shittah; acacia trees; Shittim, a place East of the Jordan -- Shittim. see HEBREW shittah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as shittah Definition a place E. of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps W. of Jer. NASB Translation Shittim (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs שִׁטִּים proper name, of a location always ׳הַשּׁ; usually Σαττειν: 1 East of Jordan, Joshua 2:1; Joshua 3:1 (E), Micah 6:5; Numbers 25:1 (P); = ׳אָבֵל הַשּׁ Numbers 33:49; on exact site see BuhlG 116 GrayNumbers 25:1. 2 ׳נַחַל הַשּׁ Joel 4:18 (perhaps Wady es-San‰, west of Jerusalem, compare We BuhlGeogr. 90, and views in Dr). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Shittim lay on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. The site formed part of the broad Acacia‐covered valley that stretches from the Dead Sea northward. As Israel’s last staging ground before entering Canaan, it offered proximity to both Moabite territory and the ford across the Jordan. Historical Backdrop in Israel’s Wilderness Journey After the forty years of wandering, Israel camped at Shittim (Numbers 25:1). From there the nation entered its final period of wilderness discipline and preparation before crossing the Jordan. The location thus stands as a hinge between the desert years and the conquest era. Place of Testing and Apostasy (Numbers 25) “While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab” (Numbers 25:1). Shittim witnessed a grave covenant breach: idolatry with Baal of Peor and immorality with Moabite women. The plague that followed claimed twenty-four thousand lives until Phinehas’ zeal turned away wrath. Shittim therefore reminds readers of the perils of syncretism and the need for holiness on the threshold of promise. Launch Point for Conquest (Joshua 2–3) From the same camp Joshua sent two spies: “Go, scout out the land, especially Jericho” (Joshua 2:1). Their successful mission confirmed the Lord’s gift of Canaan. Soon afterward, “Joshua rose early the next morning, and he and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went as far as the Jordan” (Joshua 3:1). Thus the site that once witnessed failure now becomes a springboard for faithful obedience, highlighting God’s mercy in restoring His people for service. Prophetic Vision of Restoration (Joel 3:18; Micah 6:5) Joel looks ahead to a transformed future: “A spring will flow out from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Acacias” (Joel 3:18). The very valley linked with past sin will overflow with eschatological blessing, symbolizing complete redemption. Micah invokes the same geography to summon covenant remembrance: “My people, remember… from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD” (Micah 6:5). Shittim becomes a mnemonic landmark, calling God’s people to reflect on both judgment and grace. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Contrast of Sin and Grace: Shittim encapsulates humanity’s propensity to fall and God’s readiness to forgive and recommission. Archaeology and Topography Though the precise tell is debated, surveys locate Shittim near modern Tall el-Hammam or the adjacent Khirbet el-Maqari. Abundant acacia growth matches the biblical designation. The wide, level plain supplied ample space for Israel’s encampment and clear routes to both Jericho and Mount Nebo. Key Lessons Summarized • Shittim warns against compromise. Forms and Transliterations בַּשִּׁטִּ֑ים בשטים הַשִּׁטִּ֞ים הַשִּׁטִּֽים׃ הַשִּׁטִּים֙ השטים השטים׃ מֵֽהַשִּׁטִּ֗ים מהשטים baš·šiṭ·ṭîm bashshitTim baššiṭṭîm haš·šiṭ·ṭîm hashshitTim haššiṭṭîm mê·haš·šiṭ·ṭîm mehashshitTim mêhaššiṭṭîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 25:1 HEB: וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּשִּׁטִּ֑ים וַיָּ֣חֶל הָעָ֔ם NAS: remained at Shittim, the people KJV: abode in Shittim, and the people INT: remained Israel Shittim began the people Joshua 2:1 Joshua 3:1 Joel 3:18 Micah 6:5 5 Occurrences |
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