Topical Encyclopedia The Shittah tree, also known as Shittim, is a significant tree mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The term "Shittim" is the plural form of "Shittah," and it is generally identified with the Acacia tree, a durable and resilient wood known for its hardness and resistance to decay.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 25:10 · "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." The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object in the Israelite worship, was made from acacia wood, underscoring the importance and value of this material. 2. Exodus 26:15 · "You are to make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle." The Tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, utilized acacia wood extensively, indicating its availability and suitability for sacred purposes. 3. Exodus 30:1 · "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense." The altar of incense, another critical element of the Tabernacle, was constructed from acacia wood, further highlighting its sacred use. 4. Deuteronomy 10:3 · "So I made an ark out of acacia wood and chiseled out two tablets of stone like the originals, and I went up on the mountain with the two tablets in my hands." Moses' use of acacia wood for the Ark reiterates its significance in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Characteristics and Symbolism: The Shittah or Shittim tree is often associated with the Acacia species, particularly Acacia seyal and Acacia tortilis, which are native to the Sinai Peninsula and the regions surrounding the Dead Sea. These trees are well-suited to arid environments, thriving in dry, sandy soils. The wood is known for its fine grain, strength, and resistance to insects and decay, making it an ideal material for construction, especially in the harsh desert climate. Symbolically, the Shittah tree represents durability, resilience, and purity. Its use in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings signifies the enduring and uncorrupted nature of God's covenant with His people. The choice of such a robust and enduring material for sacred objects reflects the eternal and unchanging nature of divine promises. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the Acacia tree held practical and symbolic importance. Its wood was not only used for construction but also for making tools, weapons, and other everyday items. The tree's ability to thrive in desert conditions made it a symbol of life and sustenance in a barren landscape. The Shittah tree's mention in the Bible highlights its availability and significance in the regions where the Israelites traveled and settled. Its use in the Tabernacle construction underscores the importance of using the best available resources to honor and worship God. Conclusion: The Shittah or Shittim tree, identified with the Acacia, holds a prominent place in biblical history and theology. Its use in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings reflects its symbolic and practical significance, representing strength, purity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 36:20And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 41:19 Strong's Hebrew 7851. Shittim -- a place East of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps ...... Shittim. The same as the plural of shittah; acacia trees; Shittim, a place East of the Jordan -- Shittim. see HEBREW shittah. 7850, 7851. Shittim. 7852 . ... /hebrew/7851.htm - 6k Library The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trees of the Life and Conversation of the Righteous Trees were Cut Down by Besieging Armies for Erecting Forts Trees were Cut Down for Building Trees were Cut Down for Making Idols Trees were Sold With the Land on Which They Grew Trees: (Casting Their Leaves Yet Retaining Their Substance) of Trees: (Dry) of the Wicked Ripe for Judgment Trees: (Dry) of Useless Persons Trees: (Duration of) of Continued Prosperity of Saints Trees: (Good and Fruitful) of Saints Trees: (Green) of the Innocence of Christ Trees: (Producing Evil Fruit) the Wicked Trees: (Shaking of the Leaves off) the Terror of the Wicked Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: Designed to Beautify the Earth Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Forest Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Wood Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Bearing Fruit Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Deciduous or Casting the Leaves Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen Trees: Each Kind Has Its own Seed for Propagating Its Species Trees: Each Kind of, Known by Its Fruit Trees: Early Custom of Planting, in Consecrated Grounds Trees: Given As Food to the Animal Creation Trees: God Increases and Multiplies the Fruit of, for his People Trees: God often Renders, Barren As a Punishment Trees: Made for the Glory of God Trees: Nourished by the Rain from Heaven Trees: Nourished: Through Their own Sap Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along With Them Trees: Often Suffered From: Desolating Armies Trees: Often Suffered From: Fire Trees: Often Suffered From: Hail and Frost Trees: Often Suffered From: Locusts Trees: Originally Created by God Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Branches Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Fruit or Seeds Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Roots Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Stem or Trunk Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Tender Shoots Trees: Solomon Wrote the History of Trees: Specially Flourished Beside the Rivers and Streams of Water Trees: The Jews: Considered Trees on Which Criminals Were Executed Trees: The Jews: Often Buried Under Trees: The Jews: Often Executed Criminals On Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Cutting Down Fruit Bearing, for Sieges Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Planting in Consecrated Places Trees: when Cut Down often Sprouted from Their Roots Again Related Terms Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycomore-trees (6 Occurrences) Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences) |
    |