The Hebrew place name Bêyth hash-Shiṭṭâh, represented by H1029, means "house of the acacia." It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. As a proper name, it refers to a specific location in Palestine, also rendered as Beth-shittah. Its significance is derived entirely from the single biblical event in which it is mentioned.
The sole appearance of H1029 is in the account of Gideon's victory. After the three hundred men blew their trumpets, the LORD H3068 intervened directly in the battle. The scripture states that God set every man's H376 sword H2719 against his fellow H7453 throughout the entire host H4264. This divine act caused mass confusion and internal conflict, leading the enemy army to flee H5127 in a complete rout. Bethshittah is named as a key point on their path of escape Judges 7:22.
Several related words from its single context in Judges 7:22 help illuminate the scene:
- H5127 nûwç (to flit, i.e. vanish away, escape): This verb describes the primary action associated with Bethshittah; the host fled there in disarray Judges 7:22.
- H4264 machăneh (an encampment, an army, host): This identifies the large military force that was routed. The text emphasizes that the entire host fled, highlighting the scale of the panic Judges 7:22.
- H2719 chereb (a cutting instrument, sword): This was the instrument of the army's self-destruction. The LORD turned every man's sword against his companion, making them their own undoing Judges 7:22.
The theological importance of H1029 is tied to the event it helps to locate.
- Divine Sovereignty: The mention of Bethshittah is part of a narrative that underscores God's absolute control over conflict. Victory was achieved not by Israelite strength but because the LORD H3068 caused the enemy to destroy itself Judges 7:22.
- A Landmark of Judgment: The location serves as a geographical marker for the consequences of opposing God. The flight to Bethshittah represents a scene of divine judgment, where a powerful army is thrown into a state of chaos and self-inflicted defeat.
- Victory Through Unconventional Means: The path of flight passing by Bethshittah began with an act of obedience—the blowing of trumpets H7782 by a small band of men. This reinforces the biblical theme that God's power is made perfect in weakness.
In summary, Bêyth hash-Shiṭṭâh H1029 is a place name whose biblical identity is fused with a single, powerful event. While defined simply as "house of the acacia," its context in scripture marks it as a witness to a stunning military rout caused not by human might, but by the direct and decisive intervention of God. The name is forever linked to the story of how the LORD turned an enemy's own sword H2719 against itself, causing the entire host H4264 to flee in panic Judges 7:22.
TRV