Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Shittah" refers to a type of tree mentioned in the Bible, known for its durable and valuable wood. The Hebrew word "שִׁטָּה" (shittah) is often translated as "acacia" in modern translations. The plural form, "shittim," is also used in the Scriptures. Biblical References: The shittah tree is primarily noted for its wood, which was used in the construction of sacred objects and structures. The most significant references to shittah wood are found in the context of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. 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." This verse highlights the use of shittah wood in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object in Israelite worship. 2. Exodus 26:15 : "You are to make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle." The Tabernacle itself was constructed using shittah wood, emphasizing its importance and durability. 3. Isaiah 41:19 : "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set the cypress in the desert, the plane tree, and the pine together." Here, the shittah tree is mentioned as part of a prophetic vision of restoration and abundance. Significance in Worship and Symbolism: Shittah wood's use in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings underscores its significance in Israelite worship. The wood's durability and resistance to decay made it an ideal material for objects meant to last and serve a holy purpose. The Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and other sacred items were crafted from this wood, symbolizing strength, purity, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Cultural and Historical Context: The acacia tree, native to the Sinai Peninsula and surrounding regions, was well-suited to the arid climate of the Near East. Its prevalence in the wilderness areas where the Israelites traveled made it a practical choice for construction materials. The tree's thorns and resilience also serve as metaphors for protection and perseverance in biblical literature. Theological Implications: The use of shittah wood in the Tabernacle's construction can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and the sanctity of His dwelling place among His people. The choice of such a robust and enduring material for sacred purposes illustrates the permanence and faithfulness of God's promises. Additionally, the prophetic mention of the shittah tree in Isaiah signifies hope and divine blessing, as God promises to transform desolate places into flourishing landscapes. Conclusion: While the shittah tree may seem like a minor detail in the grand narrative of Scripture, its repeated mention and specific use in the construction of the Tabernacle highlight its importance. The shittah wood serves as a testament to God's meticulous care in the details of worship and His desire for a lasting relationship with His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Shittah tree.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHITTAH; TREE; SHITTIM WOODshit'a, (shiTTah; Septuagint xulon asepton; the Revised Version (British and American) ACACIA TREE (Isaiah 41:19)); (`ace shiTTim; the Revised Version (British and American) ACACIA WOOD (Exodus 25:5, 10, 13; Exodus 26:15, 26; 27:1, 6 Deuteronomy 10:3)): The word was originally shinTah, derived from the Arabic sanT, now a name confined to one species of acacia, Acacia nilotica (Natural Order, Leguminosae), but possibly was once a more inclusive term. The Acacia nilotica is at present confined to the Sinaitic peninsula and to Egypt. Closely allied species, the Acacia tortilis and Acacia seyal, both classed together under the Arabic name sayyal, are plentiful in the valleys about the Dead Sea from Engedi southward. Those who have ridden from `Ain Jidy to Jebel Usdum will never forget these most striking features of the landscape. They are most picturesque trees with their gnarled trunks, sometimes 2 ft. thick, their twisted, thorny branches, which often give the whole tree an umbrella-like form, and their fine bipinnate leaves with minute leaflets. The curiously twisted pods and the masses of gum arabic which exude in many parts are also peculiar features. The trees yield a valuable, hard, close-grained timber, not readily attacked by insects. Strong's Hebrew 7848. shittah -- acacia (a tree and a wood)... 7847, 7848. shittah. 7849 . acacia (a tree and a wood). Transliteration: shittah Phonetic Spelling: (shit-taw') Short Definition: acacia. ... shittah, shittim. ... /hebrew/7848.htm - 6k 1029. Beth Hashshittah -- "place of the acacia," a place in ... 7851. Shittim -- a place East of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps ... 63. Abel Hashshittim -- a place in the lowlands of Moab Library The Outcast The Millennium in Relation to Creation. A Battle Without a Sword The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: A Discourse Thesaurus Shittah (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Alt. of Shittah tree. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHITTAH; TREE; SHITTIM WOOD. shit'a, (shiTTah... /s/shittah.htm - 8k Beth-shittah (1 Occurrence) Shittah-tree (1 Occurrence) Acacia (28 Occurrences) Bethshittah (1 Occurrence) Shittahtree Shittim (34 Occurrences) Wood (226 Occurrences) Zererah (1 Occurrence) Zeredah (4 Occurrences) Resources Shittah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Shittah (2 Occurrences)Judges 7:22 Isaiah 41:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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