Shittim Wood: 5 Fascinating Facts

Did you know the wood used for the Ark and tabernacle is called shittim wood? It appears in the Bible as the material for sacred furniture. Many experts identify it as a type of acacia. The wood is known for its strong grain and lasting nature. Read on for five clear facts about its history, properties, and modern uses.

Shittim wood refers to the ancient acacia used in sacred construction, prized for its strength, beauty, and spiritual meaning. This guide explains what it is, why it mattered in Scripture, and how modern makers use it for furniture, carving, and decor.

What Is Shittim Wood?

Ancient Origins and Etymology

The term comes from the Hebrew word shittah, used for hardy acacia trees in Sinai and the Levant. Many references point to acacias such as Vachellia seyal and Acacia nilotica, both valued for durable timber in arid regions Biblestudytools dictionary.

Modern Botanical Classification

Most scholars identify shittim with desert acacias, especially Vachellia seyal (Red Acacia) and Acacia nilotica. For practical buying and woodworking, you’ll usually see it sold under the broader name acacia wood, which shares the same hard, fine grain profile.

Key Physical Characteristics

Typical stock shows a fine, even texture with high density and good dimensional stability. Color ranges from pale yellow to reddish-brown, and seasoned boards resist decay and insects better than many common timbers.

Biblical Significance of Shittim Wood

The Ark of the Covenant

Exodus specifies shittim wood for the Ark, then overlaid it with pure gold—a pairing of resilient timber and precious metal that signaled holiness. This choice highlighted durability, reverence, and divine purpose Exodus 25:10.

“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood…”

Exodus 25:10

Sacred Tabernacle Furnishings

The Tabernacle’s table, altar, and carrying poles were built from shittim, then finished for worship use. Craftsmen valued its strength in long members and its clean machining for ornate details.

Theological Symbolism

Believers often see shittim as a sign of incorruptibility and God’s protection because the wood endures harsh settings. Its use in holy objects also speaks to offering our best workmanship to God.

Shittim Wood Characteristics and Properties

Durability and Resistance

Acacia’s natural oils and density give strong rot resistance and good performance against insects. Dry, well-finished stock holds up in arid climates and in interior pieces with long service life.

Grain Pattern and Texture

You’ll see a tight, close-grained pattern that planes and sands to a high sheen. Turners like its crisp detail on small lathe projects and its low tear-out with sharp tools.

Color and Appearance

Boards range from light straw to reddish-brown with occasional darker streaks. With oil or wax, the figure pops and shows a warm, golden luster.

Botanical Features

Desert acacias often have thorny branches, umbrella-like crowns, and can exude edible gum arabic. Mature trees may reach about 17 m tall with trunks near 60 cm thick, typical of Vachellia seyal in its range PFAF: Vachellia seyal.

Property	Details
Typical color	Pale yellow to reddish-brown
Texture	Fine, close-grained, dense
Decay resistance	High in dry conditions
Common height	Up to ~17 m (about 56 ft)
Trunk diameter	Up to ~60 cm (about 2 ft)
Notable feature	Thorns; gum arabic exudate

Ancient and Modern Uses

Sacred Construction Applications

Shittim served in frames, altars, tables, and the Ark because it was strong, workable, and stable once seasoned. Craftsmen could cut mortises, pegs, and decorative edges with clean results suitable for sacred settings Wisdomlib overview.

Contemporary Woodworking Projects

Modern makers use acacia for tables, cutting boards, turned pens, jewelry boxes, and accent panels. For tool setup, use sharp carbide or HSS and aim for light passes to limit burnishing; see this practical guide to acacia woodworking for project tips.

• Mill stock with a shallow cut to keep surfaces flat and tear-out low.
• Pre-drill fastener holes; the dense grain holds screws very securely.
• Finish with drying oils or hardwax; avoid thick film builds that can look plasticky.
• Use color-matched fillers; acacia’s contrast can highlight gaps if left open.

Medicinal and Traditional Uses

Gum from these trees, often sold as gum arabic, appears in syrups, candies, and herbal remedies in many cultures. Wood and bark have seen folk use for a range of ailments across North Africa and the Middle East.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

Desert Resilience Symbol

Acacia thrives where heat, wind, and poor soils test most species, so it often symbolizes resilience. That image still guides art and teaching that connect daily endurance with spiritual steadiness.

Biblical Place Names

Locations like the “Valley of Shittim” reflect how common these trees were near ancient Israelite routes and camps. Readers can survey references and context via the topical index on BibleHub: Shittim, which maps the term across multiple verses.

Prophetic References

Prophets used familiar tree imagery to point to renewal and blessing. Shittim becomes a signpost in sermons about hope, justice, and the future restoration.

Shittim Wood For Sale and Products

Where to Find Authentic Wood

You’ll often find material listed as acacia rather than “shittim,” which aligns with modern naming. Look for reputable sellers who disclose species, origin, and moisture content.

• Specialty lumberyards with exotic or desert hardwood sections.
• Online turning suppliers offering small blanks and knife scales.
• Faith-based retailers selling devotional items made from acacia.
• Local makers who can confirm provenance and offer offcuts.

Woodworking Supplies and Blanks

Turners prefer dry, defect-free blanks for pens and small bowls because the wood cuts cleanly and polishes well. Buyers should check for straight grain and uniform density to reduce tool chatter.

The items below are popular with hobbyists and collectors who want shittim-themed pieces or practical blanks for small projects.

Religious and Spiritual Items

Gift shops often stock small plaques, crosses, and replicas that echo the Tabernacle era. Look for pieces that state species and finish type so you can care for the wood’s warm tone over time.

Shittim Wood Furniture and Home Applications

Historical Furniture Uses

Ancient Israel set this timber apart for sacred service, so daily furniture use was limited. The qualities that served the Tabernacle—stability, hardness, and workability—translate well to modern home goods.

Modern Acacia Wood Products

Today, acacia appears in cutting boards, benches, coffee tables, and wall shelves where strength and color shine. If you want a different look with similar durability, compare with the sissoo tree for a darker, classic style.

Care and Maintenance

Keep indoor humidity stable to reduce movement, and wipe spills quickly. For food-contact items, refresh with mineral oil or conditioning wax to protect the wood’s finish and color.

Unique Gifts and Collectibles

Themed Merchandise

Playful items that reference shittim make light-hearted gifts for woodworkers and history fans. These picks suit coffee stations, shop benches, and study desks where conversation starts fast.

Biblical History Enthusiasts

Collectors enjoy items that nod to the Ark, the Tabernacle, and desert acacias. Pair a mug or beanie with a short booklet on shittim to create a meaningful, personal gift set.

Browse these fun, shittim-themed items for fans, makers, and small study groups.

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