Topical Encyclopedia Shittah TreeThe term "Shittah" refers to a type of tree mentioned in the Bible, known for its durable and valuable wood. The shittah tree is commonly identified with the Acacia species, particularly Acacia seyal or Acacia tortilis, which are native to the arid regions of the Middle East and Africa. The wood of the shittah tree is characterized by its hardness, resistance to decay, and fine grain, making it highly prized for construction and craftsmanship. In the Scriptures, the shittah tree is noted for its use in the construction of sacred objects and structures. The most significant mention of shittah wood is in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The wood was used to make the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the Bread of the Presence, the altar of incense, and the framework of the Tabernacle itself. Exodus 25:10-11 states, "They are to construct an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." Shittim The term "Shittim" is the plural form of "Shittah" and refers to the location or grove of acacia trees. It is mentioned in several biblical passages, often in connection with significant events in Israel's history. 1. Geographical Location: Shittim is identified as a place in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, where the Israelites camped before crossing into the Promised Land. Numbers 25:1 records, "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab." This location served as a staging ground for the Israelites' final preparations before entering Canaan. 2. Historical Significance: Shittim is also noted for the incident involving Balaam, the prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam ended up blessing Israel, as recorded in Numbers 22-24. The events at Shittim highlight the challenges and temptations faced by the Israelites as they prepared to enter the land promised to them by God. 3. Prophetic Reference: The prophet Joel mentions Shittim in a future context, indicating a time of divine judgment and restoration. Joel 3:18 states, "And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will issue from the house of the LORD, watering the Valley of Acacias." This passage envisions a time of abundance and blessing, with Shittim symbolizing the transformation and renewal brought about by God's intervention. In summary, the shittah tree and the location of Shittim hold significant roles in biblical history and theology. The durable and precious acacia wood symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, while the events at Shittim serve as reminders of both human frailty and divine faithfulness. ATS Bible Dictionary Shittah and ShittimA valuable kind of wood, of which Moses made the greater part of the tables, altars, and planks belonging to the tabernacle. Jerome says, "The wood is hard, tough, smooth, and without knots, and extremely beautiful; so that the rich and curious make screws of it for their presses. It does not grow in cultivated places, nor in any other places of the Roman Empire, but only in the deserts of Arabia." It is thought he means the black acacia, the Acacia Seyal, which is found in the deserts of Arabia, and the wood of which is very common about Mount Sinai and the mountains which border on the Red Sea, and is so hard and solid as to be almost incorruptible. Strong's Hebrew 7848. shittah -- acacia (a tree and a wood)... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition acacia (a tree and a wood) NASB Word Usage acacia (28). shittah, shittim. Feminine ... /hebrew/7848.htm - 6k 7851. Shittim -- a place East of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps ... 63. Abel Hashshittim -- a place in the lowlands of Moab Library The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Shittah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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