The Shittahtree, often referred to as the "shittim wood" in the Bible, is a significant tree mentioned in the context of ancient Israelite worship and construction. The term "shittim" is derived from the Hebrew word "שִׁטָּה" (shittah), which is commonly identified with the Acacia tree, particularly the species Acacia seyal or Acacia tortilis. These trees are known for their hard, durable wood, which was highly valued in the arid regions of the Sinai Peninsula and the surrounding areas.

Biblical References:

The Shittahtree is prominently mentioned in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert. The wood from this tree was used for various sacred objects and structures, underscoring its importance and symbolic value.

1. Exodus 25:10 · "They are to make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." The Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, was constructed from acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. This highlights the wood's durability and suitability for sacred purposes.

2. Exodus 26:15 · "You are to make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle." The frames of the Tabernacle were also made from this wood, providing a sturdy and resilient structure for the dwelling place of God among His people.

3. Exodus 27:1 · "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high." The altar of burnt offering, central to the sacrificial system, was made from acacia wood, signifying its role in the atonement and worship practices of the Israelites.

4. Exodus 30:1 · "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense." The altar of incense, used for offering fragrant incense before the Lord, was another sacred object crafted from this wood.

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of shittim wood in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings carries deep symbolic meaning. The wood's resilience and ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions can be seen as a metaphor for the endurance and faithfulness required of God's people. Its use in sacred objects underscores the idea of purity and holiness, as the wood was often overlaid with gold, representing divine glory and perfection.

In a broader theological context, the Shittahtree and its wood can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who is both the foundation and the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as the acacia wood formed the core of the sacred objects, Christ is central to the faith and worship of believers, embodying the ultimate sacrifice and the presence of God among His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Acacia tree, native to the regions surrounding the Sinai Peninsula, was one of the few trees capable of surviving in the harsh desert environment. Its wood was not only durable but also resistant to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for construction in ancient times. The Israelites, during their exodus from Egypt, would have had access to these trees, which were abundant in the wilderness areas they traversed.

In summary, the Shittahtree holds a place of prominence in biblical history and theology, serving as a testament to God's provision and the enduring nature of His covenant with His people. Its wood, used in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizes strength, purity, and the divine presence, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ.(Isaiah 41:19; R.V., "acacia tree"). Shittah wood was employed in making the various parts of the tabernacle in the wilderness, and must therefore have been indigenous in the desert in which the Israelites wandered. It was the acacia or mimosa (Acacia Nilotica and A. seyal). "The wild acacia (Mimosa Nilotica), under the name of sunt, everywhere represents the seneh, or senna, of the burning bush. A slightly different form of the tree, equally common under the name of seyal, is the ancient 'shittah,' or, as more usually expressed in the plural form, the 'shittim,' of which the tabernacle was made." Stanley's Sinai, etc. (Exodus 25:10, 13, 23, 28). Shittahtree

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Shittah (2 Occurrences)

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Shittah-tree (1 Occurrence)
Shittah-tree. Shittahtree, Shittah-tree. Shittim . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Shittahtree, Shittah-tree. Shittim . Reference Bible.
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