Crusade BibleCrusade Bible
The Bible Reader's Map.Author: Rawson, A.L. - Publisher: H.H. Lloyd & Co. - Date: 1873 · 1873

Shittim(abel shittim)

הַשִּׁטִּים/SHIT-im/

The Acacias

Summary

The last camping place of Israel east of the Jordan before crossing into Canaan, named for its acacia trees.

Location and Events

Shittim (meaning 'the acacias') was located in the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, in the Jordan valley. Its full name was Abel-shittim, 'the meadow of the acacias.' Here Israel camped after conquering the Transjordan highlands and before crossing into Canaan. It was at Shittim that the Israelites fell into the idolatrous and immoral worship of Baal-Peor, seduced by Moabite and Midianite women through Balaam's counsel.

Key verses:Numbers 25:1Numbers 33:49Micah 6:5

Departure for Canaan

From Shittim, Joshua sent out two spies to reconnoiter Jericho before the crossing. The host then moved forward from Shittim to the Jordan for the miraculous crossing. The prophet Micah calls Israel to remember 'from Shittim to Gilgal' as a reminder of God's righteous acts.

Key verses:Joshua 2:1Joshua 3:1

Valley of Shittim

Joel mentions a 'valley of Shittim' that will be watered by a fountain from the house of the LORD. This must be west of Jordan, possibly referring to the lower reaches of the Kidron Valley where acacias grow.

Key verses:Joel 3:18

Related Verses34 mentions

Exodus· 26 verses

Numbers· 2 verses

Joshua· 2 verses

Joel· 1 verse

See Also

References

  1. 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shittim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  2. 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shittim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  3. 3.James Orr (ed.), "Shittim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  4. 4.George Morrish, "Shittim," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  5. 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shittim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  6. 6.James Orr (ed.), "Shittim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).