אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים

אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים

Abel hash-Shittim, a place in Palestine

Definition

Abel hash-Shittim is a place name meaning 'meadow of the acacias' or 'stream of the acacia trees.' It refers to the final Israelite encampment on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, before they crossed into the Promised Land (Numbers 33:49). This location served as a major staging ground for pivotal events, including the taking of the second census (Numbers 26) and the incident with the Moabite women and Baal of Peor (Numbers 25:1). It is also referenced in the book of Joshua as the departure point for the spies sent to Jericho (Joshua 2:1) and for the people's crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:1).

Biblical Usage

This proper noun is used exclusively in the context of the Israelites' wilderness journey and conquest narrative. It appears in the itinerary list of Numbers 33:49, which records the stages of the Exodus. The location is implicitly referenced in narratives set at 'Shittim' (e.g., Numbers 25:1, Joshua 2:1, 3:1), which is a shortened form of the same place. Its usage is confined to the books of Numbers and Joshua, marking a critical geographical and theological transition point for the nation.

Etymology

The name is a compound Hebrew phrase. 'Abel' (H58, אָבֵל) can mean 'meadow' or 'stream,' often referring to a fertile, grassy area near water. 'Hash-Shittim' incorporates the definite article 'ha-' (the) and the plural of 'shittah' (H7848, שִׁטָּה), meaning 'acacia trees.' Thus, the full name literally translates to 'the meadow/stream of the acacias.' The acacia tree (Acacia raddiana) was a common, durable tree in the arid regions of the Sinai and Transjordan.

Semantic Range

Abel hash-Shittim holds theological significance as the final stop of Israel's 40-year wilderness wandering, representing the end of divine judgment and the threshold of fulfillment of God's covenant promise. The events that transpired here—including both grave sin (Numbers 25) and faithful obedience (Joshua 2-3)—highlight God's holiness, justice, and faithfulness as He prepared His people to inherit the land. Understanding its location enriches the reading of the conquest narrative, emphasizing that entry into God's promises often follows a period of testing and preparation. In the ancient Near East, place names were often descriptive of local geography or vegetation. A 'meadow of acacias' would have immediately signaled a rare, well-watered, and shaded campsite in the otherwise arid plains of Moab, making it a strategically valuable location for a large group to encamp. The acacia wood was culturally significant as the primary material used in constructing the Tabernacle and its sacred furniture (Exodus 25-27), which may add a layer of symbolic connection between the worship system and this final wilderness campsite. Shittim (שִׁטִּים, H7851) — The shortened, more common biblical name for the same geographical area, used interchangeably in narrative contexts.

Word Details