Shittim (Abel-shittim)
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Shittim, also called Abel-shittim, was Israel's last camp east of the Jordan, in the plains of Moab across from Jericho. It was there that Israel fell into the sin of Baal-peor, joining the Moabites in the sacrifices of their gods, until the zeal of Phinehas turned God's wrath away and the plague was stayed. From Shittim Joshua secretly sent two men to spy out Jericho, and from Shittim the whole nation rose early and moved to the edge of the Jordan before crossing into the promised land. The prophet Micah later called Israel to remember all that God had done 'from Shittim unto Gilgal,' the short stretch of road where He turned Balaam's curse into blessing and brought His people over the river.
Details
- Region
- Transjordan
- Modern Location
- Plains of Moab, northeast of the Dead Sea, Jordan. Commonly identified with Tell el-Hammam.
Journey Paths
Key Passages
Israel Sins at Shittim
Numbers 25:1-3
On the threshold of the promised land, Israel joins itself to Baal-peor and kindles the LORD's anger.
1nd Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
The Camp in the Plains of Moab
Numbers 33:49
The journey record places the camp along the Jordan as far as Abel-shittim.
49nd they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.
Spies Sent from Shittim
Joshua 2:1
Joshua sends two spies from Shittim to view Jericho, and they lodge with Rahab.
1nd Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
From Shittim to the Jordan
Joshua 3:1
Israel breaks camp at Shittim and lodges at the river before crossing over.
1nd Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
Remember from Shittim unto Gilgal
Micah 6:5
Micah recalls Balak, Balaam, and the crossing as proof of the LORD's righteousness.
5 my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.
Explore Related
Did You Know?
Shittim means 'acacia trees,' the same wood used to build the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle.
Twenty-four thousand died in the plague at Shittim before Phinehas turned God's wrath away.
Israel's camp stretched along the Jordan 'from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.'