אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים (a.vel hash.shit.tim)
a.vel hash.shit.tim
Abel-shittim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase Abel-shittim, meaning “meadow of acacias,” appears only once in Scripture, in Numbers 33:49. It serves as a geographical marker for the Israelites’ final encampment on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just before they entered the Promised Land.
The name combines two common Hebrew elements. Abel refers to a meadow or low-lying pasture, while shittim points to the acacia trees that grew there. This location is essentially another name for Shittim, the same place mentioned earlier in Numbers 32:34 where the tribes of Reuben and Gad settled their families.
Acacia wood was valuable in ancient Israel, used for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. By naming this encampment after these trees, the text highlights a practical resource available to the people as they prepared for what lay ahead. The name reflects both the physical landscape and the resources that sustained them during their journey.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abel-shittim means “meadow of acacias,” marking the final resting place for Israel before crossing into the Promised Land. This location sits on the eastern bank of the Jordan, offering a clear view of what lies ahead. The presence of acacia trees here was not just scenery; it provided practical resources for those preparing to settle in a new land.
For your faith life, this spot reminds us that God provides exactly what we need for the next step. Just as the Israelites used local materials to build and sustain themselves, you can trust that God equips you with the strength and wisdom required for your current season. The journey does not end with arrival; it continues with purposeful preparation.
When you feel uncertain about the future, remember that this encampment was a place of waiting and readiness. It is okay to pause, gather your resources, and look forward with hope. God’s provision is always present, even in the quiet moments before a new beginning.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shittim1×
- Abel-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַשִּׁטִּ֑ים1×
- אָבֵ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:49
They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.
This verse identifies Abel-shittim as the specific endpoint of Israel's wilderness journey, highlighting its role as the final staging ground before entering Canaan.