Topical Encyclopedia
Acacias are a group of thorny trees and shrubs belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and Africa. In the Bible, acacias are noted for their durable wood, which was used in the construction of sacred objects and structures.
Biblical References:1.
Construction of the Tabernacle: Acacia wood is prominently mentioned in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The wood's durability and resistance to decay made it an ideal material for sacred purposes. In
Exodus 25:10, God instructs Moses, "They are to make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." This ark, known as the Ark of the Covenant, was central to Israelite worship and symbolized God's presence among His people.
2.
The Altar and Other Furnishings: Acacia wood was also used for the altar and other furnishings within the Tabernacle.
Exodus 27:1 states, "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high." The use of acacia wood extended to the table for the Bread of the Presence, the poles for carrying the Ark, and the framework of the Tabernacle itself (
Exodus 25:23, 26:15).
3.
Symbolism and Significance: The use of acacia wood in the Tabernacle's construction carries symbolic significance. Its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions may symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Additionally, the acacia's thorns could be seen as a reminder of the challenges and trials faced by the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
4.
Geographical Context: Acacias are native to the Sinai Peninsula and the surrounding regions, making them readily available to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The wood's availability and properties made it a practical choice for the construction of the Tabernacle, which needed to be portable and durable for the Israelites' nomadic lifestyle.
5.
Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, acacia wood was valued for its strength and longevity. Its use in religious and ceremonial contexts was not unique to the Israelites, as other cultures also recognized its qualities. However, in the biblical narrative, acacia wood's primary significance lies in its association with the divine instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle.
Conclusion:The acacia tree, with its robust and enduring wood, played a crucial role in the religious life of ancient Israel. Its use in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings underscores its importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing both the practical and spiritual aspects of Israel's relationship with God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Acacia.
Strong's Hebrew
63. Abel Hashshittim -- a place in the lowlands of Moab... Abel-shittim. From 'abel and the plural of shittah, with the article inserted; meadow
of the
acacias; Abel hash- Shittim, a place in Palestine -- Abel-shittim.
...Library
The Bush that Burned, and did not Burn Out
... Rather, it implies some little group, or cluster, or copse, of the dry thornyacacias,
which are characteristic of the country, and over which any ordinary...
The Nile and Egypt
... of the inundation upon the soil of Egypt"Paucity of the flora: aquatic plants, the
papyrus and the lotus; the sycamore and the date-palm, theacacias, the dom...
Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall
come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the Valley ofAcacias....
St. John Chrysostom (Ad 347-407)
... But many of them were very much offended, and it is said that one,Acacias, of Berrhoea,
in Syria, declared in anger, "I will cook his pot for him!"....
Outward Bound
... The other side was low scrub"prickly shrubs likeacacias and mimosas, covered with
a creeping vine with brilliant yellow hair (we had seen it already from...
The Memphite Empire
... of its length; quite a little forest of palms enlivens both banks"somewhat meagre
and thin, it is true, but intermingled withacacias, tamarisks, nabecas...
Appendices
... The place is planted with maple trees, oaks, andacacias, which reach up to heaven,
full of beasts, bears and lions, and surrounded by Shasu in all directions....
The Political Constitution of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <....
The First Theban Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <....
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <....
Thesaurus
Acacias (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Acacia. Multi-Version Concordance
Acacias (1 Occurrence). Joel 3:18 And it will come about
...Abel-shittim (1 Occurrence)
... Meadow of theacacias, frequently called simply "Shittim" (Numbers 25:1; Joshua
2:1; Micah 6:5), a place on the east of Jordan, in the plain of Moab, nearly...
Abelshittim (1 Occurrence)
... Meadow of theacacias, frequently called simply "Shittim" (Numbers 25:1; Joshua
2:1; Micah 6:5), a place on the east of Jordan, in the plain of Moab, nearly...
Shittim (34 Occurrences)
...Acacias, also called "Abel-shittim" (Numbers 33:49), a plain or valley in the land
of Moab where the Israelites were encamped after their two victories over...
Acacia (28 Occurrences)
... to the Arabic sant which is now the name of the Acacia Nilotica (NO, Leguminosae),
but no doubt the name once included other species of desertacacias....
Botany
... Equally characteristic are dry, much-branched spiny trees or shrubs with scanty
foliage and small leaves, such as theacacias and the thorny burnet....
Bush (14 Occurrences)
... In spite of tradition there is but little doubt that Moses' "burning bush" must
actually have been a shrub of one of the various thornyacacias, or allied...
Acacia-tree (1 Occurrence)
Acacia-tree.Acacias, Acacia-tree. Acacia-trees . Multi-Version Concordance
Acacia-tree (1 Occurrence)....Acacias, Acacia-tree. Acacia-trees . Reference
Elamites (2 Occurrences)
... 6. Vegetation: The vegetation of Susiana is said not to be very varied. On the river
banks are to be found willows, tamarisks and many kinds ofacacias....
Thorn (30 Occurrences)
... so common in Palestine (see BOTANY). Post says, "It may be one of the thorny
acacias" (HDB, IV, 752). (8) cirim (Ecclesiastes 7:6...
Resources
What is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a chiasm / chiastic structure in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “let the weak say I am strong” in Joel 3:10? | GotQuestions.orgAcacias: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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