King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, [and] thy tabernacles, O Israel!
Complete Jewish Bible:
"How lovely are your tents, Ya'akov; your encampments, Isra'el!
Berean Standard Bible:
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!
American Standard Version:
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, Thy tabernacles, O Israel!
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
How goodly{H2895} are thy tents{H168}, O Jacob{H3290}, and thy tabernacles{H4908}, O Israel{H3478}!
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 24:5
1. **Themes of Numbers 24:5**:
- Divine Blessing: The verse is part of a larger narrative where Balaam, initially hired to curse Israel, ends up blessing them instead, highlighting the theme of God's favor and protection over His people.
- The Beauty and Favor of Israel: The verse poetically expresses admiration for the Israelite encampments, symbolizing the prosperity and organization of the nation, which is seen as a reflection of God's blessing.
- Prophetic Utterance: Balaam speaks under divine influence, demonstrating the power and truth of prophecy, as well as the sovereignty of God over the words of even a reluctant prophet.
2. **Historical Context**:
- The book of Numbers recounts the events in the wilderness as the Israelites journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
- Numbers 24:5 is set during the time when Balak, king of Moab, fearing the Israelites, seeks to hire the seer Balaam to curse them.
- The Israelites are encamped in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, preparing to enter Canaan.
- Balaam's oracles, including this verse, are pronounced from a series of altars that he builds, despite Balak's intention to undermine the Israelites.
- The historical setting reflects the tension between the Israelites and neighboring nations, as well as the spiritual battle between pagan practices and the worship of the God of Israel.
In summary, Numbers 24:5 is a divinely inspired blessing that contrasts with the initial intent to curse Israel. It reflects the themes of God's protection, the beauty of Israel's organization, and the futility of opposing God's will. The historical context is the period of Israel's wandering in the wilderness, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, amidst challenges from other nations.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2895
There are 33 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טוֹב
Transliteration: ṭôwb
Pronunciation: tobe
Description: a primitive root,; to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense; be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. - Strong's Number: H168
There are 369 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֹהֶל
Transliteration: ʼôhel
Pronunciation: o'-hel
Description: from אָהַל; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. - Strong's Number: H3290
There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob. - Strong's Number: H4908
There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁכָּן
Transliteration: mishkân
Pronunciation: mish-kawn'
Description: from שָׁכַן; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls); dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. - Strong's Number: H3478
There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel.