A location on the plains of Moab, across from Jericho, where the Israelites camped before crossing the Jordan River (JOS 3:1).
About Shittim
A site on the Moab plains. The Israelites camped there after defeating Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21–35) and before crossing the Jordan (Numbers 25:1). According to Numbers 33:49, this camp was near the Jordan River. The campsite spread from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim. Abel-shittim seems to be the full name of the place, while Shittim is the more common, shorter name.
At Shittim, Balak, who ruled Moab, wanted to prevent the Israelites from entering Canaan. He paid Balaam to speak curses against them (Numbers 22–24). Later, following Balaam's advice, the Israelite men had sexual relations with women from Midian and Moab (Numbers 25:1–5; compare 31:15–16). The Israelites turned away from God to worship false gods through these sexual acts. This made God angry, and he sent a deadly disease among the people at Peor (Numbers 25:1–18; compare 1 Corinthians 10:6–8).
Key References
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab,
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
All Scripture References (5)
Numbers (2)
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab,
And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim.
Joshua (2)
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.
Micah (1)
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”