Shittim

Shittim

In the King James Version of the Old Testament, shittim is a transliteration of a Hebrew word that refers to acacia wood. The acacia tree was found throughout the ancient Mediterranean. Acacia wood is a very hard and durable wood and also polishes and finishes well. These physical characteristics help explain why it played such a prominent role in the furnishings and materials of the tabernacle, or tent shrine (see Exodus 35:7). Numerous parts of the tabernacle were made from acacia and then often gilded or covered in metal (for example, see Exodus 38:1).

Shittim is also a place name for a site that was across the River Jordan from the city of Jericho.

Related verses

Exodus 25:5
Exodus 27:1–6
Exodus 30:1–5
Exodus 35:7
Exodus 36:20
Exodus 37:1–28
Exodus 38:1–6
Deuteronomy 10:3
Isaiah 41:19