Beth-shit'tah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. The name "Beth-shit'tah" translates to "house of the acacia" in Hebrew, indicating a place where acacia trees were likely abundant. This site is part of the narrative concerning the military exploits of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

Beth-shit'tah is referenced in Judges 7:22. The context of this passage is the account of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. After Gideon and his 300 men, armed with trumpets and torches concealed in jars, caused confusion in the Midianite camp, the enemy forces fled. The verse states: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath" (Judges 7:22).

Historical and Geographical Context:

Beth-shit'tah is believed to have been located in the Jezreel Valley, a fertile region in northern Israel. This area was strategically significant due to its agricultural productivity and its position along major ancient trade routes. The precise location of Beth-shit'tah is not definitively known today, but it is thought to be near the modern-day site of Shatta, based on historical and archaeological evidence.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Beth-shit'tah in the narrative of Gideon's victory over the Midianites highlights the miraculous nature of the victory that God granted to Israel. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Gideon's small force was able to rout the Midianite army, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to deliver His people. The flight of the Midianites to Beth-shit'tah underscores the completeness of their defeat and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.

Cultural and Symbolic Insights:

The name "house of the acacia" may carry symbolic significance, as acacia wood was used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10, 26:15). This connection could suggest themes of divine presence and protection, resonating with the narrative of Gideon's divinely orchestrated victory.

Beth-shit'tah serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely means and people to achieve His purposes. The account encourages believers to trust in God's power and guidance, even in seemingly insurmountable circumstances.Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence)

Judges 7:22
When they blew the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer'erah, as far as the border of A'bel-meho'lah, by Tabbath.
(DBY RSV)

Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-shit'tah. Beth-shittah, Beth-shit'tah. Bethsphage . Multi-Version
Concordance Beth-shit'tah (1 Occurrence). Judges 7:22 When ...
/b/beth-shit'tah.htm - 6k

Beth-shittah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-shittah. Bethshittah, Beth-shittah. Beth-shit'tah . Int. ... (ASV BBE JPS WBS
YLT NAS). Bethshittah, Beth-shittah. Beth-shit'tah . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-shittah.htm - 7k

A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences)
... the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and
against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer ...
/a/a'bel-meho'lah.htm - 7k

Zer'erah (1 Occurrence)
... the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and
against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shit'tah toward Zer ...
/z/zer'erah.htm - 6k

Bethsphage (3 Occurrences)

/b/bethsphage.htm - 7k

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