Shit´uh; “acacia” tree or wood
A transliterated Hebrew term that identified the tree or wood Acacia nilotica or the more substantial Acacia tortilis. It was highly resistant to insects and other decay and was suitable for cabinetmaking, being both hard and durable. In the plural form, shittim (Exod 25; Exod 26; Exod 27; Exod 30; Exod 35; Exod 36; Exod 37; Exod 38), it is designated as the proper wood to be used in constructing the Ark of the Covenant (Exod 25:10) and the accompanying items, like the carrying poles (Exod 25:28), bars (Exod 26:26), pillars (Exod 26:32), tables (Exod 25:23), and altars (Exod 37:25; Deut 10:3). In (Isa 41:19) it symbolizes the revival of lush life as part of a growth with other substantial trees.
