The acacia tree, known for its durable wood and thorny branches, holds significant importance in biblical texts and ancient Near Eastern culture. The Hebrew word for acacia is "shittah" (plural "shittim"), and it is frequently mentioned in the context of the construction of sacred objects and places.

Biblical References:

1. Construction of the Tabernacle: The acacia tree is prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. In Exodus 25:10, God instructs Moses, "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, central to Israelite worship, was crafted from acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold.

2. Other Sacred Furnishings: Beyond the Ark, other elements of the Tabernacle were also made from acacia wood. The table for the Bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:23), the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:1), and the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1) were all constructed using this resilient wood. The use of acacia wood underscores its significance and suitability for sacred purposes due to its durability and resistance to decay.

3. Symbolic Significance: The acacia tree's ability to thrive in arid conditions may symbolize resilience and endurance, qualities that were essential for the Israelites during their desert wanderings. Its wood, being both strong and lightweight, was ideal for the portable nature of the Tabernacle.

4. Geographical Context: The acacia tree is native to the Sinai Peninsula and the regions surrounding the Dead Sea, areas that the Israelites traversed during their exodus from Egypt. Numbers 25:1 mentions the location "Shittim," which is derived from the Hebrew word for acacia, indicating a place where these trees were abundant.

5. Prophetic Imagery: In Isaiah 41:19, God promises to plant acacia trees in the desert as a sign of His provision and transformation: "I will plant cedars in the desert, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees; I will set pines in the wasteland, firs, and cypresses together." This imagery conveys hope and renewal, illustrating God's power to bring life and beauty to barren places.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The acacia tree's wood was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its strength and resistance to insects, making it an ideal material for construction and craftsmanship. Its thorns and ability to grow in harsh environments also made it a symbol of protection and survival.

In summary, the acacia tree is a significant botanical and symbolic element within the biblical narrative, representing both the practical needs of the Israelites and the deeper spiritual themes of resilience, divine provision, and sacred craftsmanship.

In the Desert
... It hinted of imprisonment. Turning as though pursued, he disappeared up
an acacia tree from which he could not be dislodged. With ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

Acacia-tree (1 Occurrence)
Acacia-tree. Acacias, Acacia-tree. Acacia-trees . Multi-Version
Concordance Acacia-tree (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 41:19 ...
/a/acacia-tree.htm - 6k

Wood (226 Occurrences)
... shit'a, (shiTTah; Septuagint xulon asepton; the Revised Version (British and American)
ACACIATREE (Isaiah 41:19)); (`ace shiTTim; the Revised Version (British ...
/w/wood.htm - 42k

Acacia-trees (1 Occurrence)
Acacia-trees. Acacia-tree, Acacia-trees. Acacia-wood . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Acacia-tree, Acacia-trees. Acacia-wood . Reference Bible.
/a/acacia-trees.htm - 6k

Acacias (1 Occurrence)

/a/acacias.htm - 6k

Shittah-tree (1 Occurrence)
Shittah-tree. Shittahtree, Shittah-tree. Shittim . Easton's Bible
Dictionary (Isaiah 41:19; RV, "acaciatree"). Shittah wood was ...
/s/shittah-tree.htm - 7k

Shittahtree
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Isaiah 41:19; RV, "acaciatree"). Shittah wood
was employed in making the various parts of the tabernacle ...
/s/shittahtree.htm - 7k

Shittah (2 Occurrences)
... shit'a, (shiTTah; Septuagint xulon asepton; the Revised Version (British and American)
ACACIATREE (Isaiah 41:19)); (`ace shiTTim; the Revised Version (British ...
/s/shittah.htm - 8k

Shittim (34 Occurrences)
... shit'a, (shiTTah; Septuagint xulon asepton; the Revised Version (British and American)
ACACIATREE (Isaiah 41:19)); (`ace shiTTim; the Revised Version (British ...
/s/shittim.htm - 20k

Tree (245 Occurrences)
... shit'a, (shiTTah; Septuagint xulon asepton; the Revised Version (British and American)
ACACIATREE (Isaiah 41:19)); (`ace shiTTim; the Revised Version (British ...
/t/tree.htm - 75k

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