Numbers 24:6

KJV

As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, [and] as cedar trees beside the waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the valleys {H5158} are they spread forth {H5186}, as gardens {H1593} by the river's side {H5104}, as the trees of lign aloes {H174} which the LORD {H3068} hath planted {H5193}, and as cedar trees {H730} beside the waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They spread out like valleys, like gardens by the riverside, like succulent aloes planted by ADONAI, like cedar trees next to the water.

Berean Standard Bible

They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.

American Standard Version

As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river-side, As lign-aloes which Jehovah hath planted, As cedar-trees beside the waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:6 presents a profound poetic declaration of divine blessing upon Israel, delivered by the reluctant prophet Balaam. Through a series of vivid natural metaphors, the verse paints a picture of Israel's future prosperity, expansive growth, and enduring vitality, portraying them as a lush, divinely cultivated landscape. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, transforming intended curses into rich affirmations of His sovereign care and provision, ensuring their abundant flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Balaam's third oracle, a pivotal moment in [Numbers 24:1-9](/numbers/24-1-9 "Numbers 24:1-9 - Balaam's Third Oracle"). Having recognized that "it pleased the LORD to bless Israel" ([Numbers 24:1](/numbers/24-1 "Numbers 24:1 - Balaam Sees God's Favor")), Balaam ceased seeking omens and instead fixed his gaze toward the wilderness, allowing the Spirit of God to come upon him. This oracle, like the preceding ones, serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty, as He overrides Balak's malicious desire for a curse, compelling Balaam to utter blessings instead. The imagery of flourishing and expansive growth in [Numbers 24:6](/numbers/24-6 "Numbers 24:6 - Israel's Flourishing") masterfully sets the stage for the climactic messianic prophecy of the "Star out of Jacob" and "Scepter out of Israel" in [Numbers 24:17-19](/numbers/24-17-19 "Numbers 24:17-19 - The Star of Jacob Prophecy"), which speaks to Israel's ultimate triumph and dominion under a future king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The broader narrative unfolds as the Israelite nation is encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land, a presence that incites great fear and anxiety in Balak, the king of Moab. Balak's decision to hire Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia, reflects the prevalent ancient Near Eastern belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings, and the common practice of employing professional seers for political and military advantage. The natural imagery employed by Balaam—valleys, gardens, rivers, aloes, and cedars—would have resonated profoundly with an audience intimately familiar with arid desert landscapes and the immense value placed on reliable water sources and fertile land. "Lign aloes" (agarwood) were highly prized aromatic trees, often imported and associated with luxury and preciousness, while "cedar trees," particularly the majestic Cedars of Lebanon, were iconic symbols of strength, grandeur, and longevity throughout the region, frequently used in the construction of temples and palaces.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme powerfully conveyed in this passage is God's **unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant with Israel, demonstrated by His sovereign ability to transform an intended curse into a profound blessing. This highlights God's absolute **sovereignty** over all human intentions and actions, even those of a pagan diviner like Balaam. The verse also vividly illustrates the theme of **divine provision and prosperity**, portraying Israel not merely as surviving, but as flourishing abundantly under God's meticulous care. This flourishing is not attributed to their own merit but is a direct result of being "which the LORD hath planted," emphasizing **divine initiative** and **sustenance**. This echoes earlier promises of land and fruitfulness given to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham to Make a Great Nation"). Furthermore, the rich imagery contributes to the theme of **Israel's unique identity** as a divinely chosen and protected people, set apart and destined for greatness and enduring significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lign aloes (Hebrew, _ʼăhâlîym_):** This term refers to a highly prized aromatic wood, distinct from the common aloe vera plant. It is widely understood to be agarwood, derived from the Aquilaria tree, which produces a fragrant, resinous wood when infected by a specific fungus. This wood was extremely valuable in the ancient world for its use in perfumes, incense, and embalming, signifying preciousness, exotic beauty, and a delightful aroma. The crucial addition that these trees are "which the LORD hath planted" emphasizes their divine origin and exceptional quality, implying that Israel's inherent beauty, value, and spiritual fragrance are entirely God-given.
* **Planted (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ_):** This primitive root verb signifies the act of striking in or fixing something, specifically to set a plant or tree in the ground for growth. When attributed to "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), it underscores divine initiative, active cultivation, and intentional placement. It implies careful selection, deliberate establishment, and ongoing nourishment, highlighting that Israel's flourishing is not accidental or self-achieved but is entirely dependent on God's deliberate, personal, and sustained work, much like a meticulous gardener tending a precious vineyard.
* **Cedar trees (Hebrew, _ʼerez_):** This word refers specifically to the Cedars of Lebanon, renowned for their immense size, strength, durability, and extraordinary longevity. These majestic trees were a pervasive symbol of grandeur, stability, and enduring power throughout the ancient Near East, frequently associated with royalty, temples, and divine favor. Their deep, tenacious roots and ability to thrive, particularly "beside the waters," symbolize Israel's deep-rooted stability, resilience, and majestic presence, continually sustained by divine, life-giving sources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the valleys are they spread forth":** This initial simile vividly depicts Israel's vastness and expansive growth. "Valleys" (Hebrew: _nachal_) here likely refers to wadis or fertile plains, suggesting broad, open spaces that are conducive to widespread settlement, abundant increase, and unhindered expansion. It conveys a sense of unrestricted proliferation and the promise of ample land.
* **"as gardens by the river's side":** This image evokes profound lushness, unparalleled fertility, and sustained vitality. Gardens situated by a constant water source (Hebrew: _nâhâr_, a stream or river) are perpetually green, productive, and vibrant, symbolizing a continuous flow of life and nourishment. This speaks to Israel's enduring fruitfulness, prosperity, and spiritual freshness, sustained by abundant divine provision, much like a well-watered paradise.
* **"as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted":** This phrase elevates the imagery from natural abundance to divinely ordained preciousness and uniqueness. The "lign aloes" (agarwood) are rare, valuable, and known for their exquisite fragrance. The crucial addition "which the LORD hath planted" profoundly emphasizes that Israel's unique beauty, intrinsic value, and delightful flourishing are not natural occurrences but are the direct result of God's intentional, personal, and active cultivation, making them exceptionally precious in His sight.
* **"and as cedar trees beside the waters":** This final simile powerfully reinforces the themes of strength, majesty, and permanence. Cedars are imposing, long-lived trees that thrive near abundant water (Hebrew: _mayim_), symbolizing deep-rooted stability, unshakeable resilience, and a majestic, enduring presence. This portrays Israel as firmly established, unshakeable, and destined for longevity, continually nourished by divine life-giving sources, reflecting their secure and noble standing before God.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:6 is exceptionally rich in **Simile**, employing multiple comparisons to paint a comprehensive and multifaceted picture of Israel's blessed state. The repeated use of "as" (Hebrew: _k_ or _kaʼašer_) connects Israel's future to four distinct, yet profoundly complementary, natural images: vast, spreading valleys; verdant, well-watered gardens; precious, divinely planted lign aloes; and majestic, enduring cedars. This creates a powerful sense of **Accumulation** and **Climax**, where each successive image adds a deeper layer of meaning—from expansive growth to sustained vitality, then to divine preciousness and unique fragrance, and finally to enduring strength and majestic stability. The verse also exhibits clear **Parallelism** in its structure, particularly in the pairing of "gardens by the river's side" and "cedar trees beside the waters," both emphasizing the indispensable, life-giving presence of water. The pivotal phrase "which the LORD hath planted" introduces **Divine Agency**, highlighting God's direct, personal involvement and intentionality behind Israel's flourishing, transforming mere natural beauty into a profound testament of His sovereign favor and active care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:6 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His sovereign ability to orchestrate events for the ultimate good of His people. Despite the malevolent intentions of Balak and Balaam's initial desire for personal gain, God's divine will prevails, turning an intended curse into a profound and expansive blessing. This demonstrates unequivocally that God's plans for His chosen people are immutable and cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition. The imagery of flourishing and being divinely "planted" speaks to Israel's inherent security and promised prosperity as a direct result of God's active, personal care, prefiguring the ultimate blessedness found in being deeply rooted in God. This foundational principle extends beyond ancient Israel to all who are in covenant with God through faith, assuring them of His protective hand, His unwavering love, and His desire for their spiritual and holistic well-being, even amidst adversity.
* [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man Like a Tree Planted by Streams")
* [Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Trees of Righteousness, the Planting of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:6 offers a profound and spiritually nourishing lesson for believers today: our true flourishing, security, and enduring vitality come not from human effort, favorable circumstances, or external validation, but from being "planted" by the Lord and continually nourished by His life-giving presence. Just as the gardens and cedars thrive by the constant supply of water, our spiritual vitality is entirely dependent on our deep and abiding connection to the living water of God's Spirit and the nourishing truth of His Word. This verse powerfully encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign plan, even when facing formidable opposition or when others intend harm against us. It serves as a potent reminder that God is supremely able to turn any intended curse or difficulty into a profound blessing, transforming adverse situations into remarkable opportunities for spiritual growth and a powerful demonstration of His unfailing power and love. Our call, therefore, is to remain deeply rooted in Him, allowing His divine life to flow unhindered through us, enabling us to bear abundant fruit and stand firm, majestic, and spiritually fragrant in a world that desperately needs to encounter His transformative presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God to supernaturally turn an intended "curse" or significant difficulty into a profound "blessing" or an unexpected opportunity for spiritual growth?**
* **How can you more intentionally and consistently "plant" yourself by the "waters" of God's Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit to ensure your ongoing spiritual vitality, fruitfulness, and resilience?**
* **What does it truly mean for you personally to be "which the LORD hath planted," and how does this profound understanding shape your identity, purpose, and confidence in God's unfailing care?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "lign aloes" in this verse?**

Answer: The "lign aloes" (Hebrew: _ʼăhâlîym_) refer to agarwood, a highly prized aromatic wood derived from specific trees (likely Aquilaria species). Unlike the common aloe vera plant, agarwood was exceptionally valued in the ancient world for its exquisite fragrance, used extensively in perfumes, incense, and even embalming. Its inclusion in [Numbers 24:6](/numbers/24-6 "Numbers 24:6 - Israel's Flourishing") signifies Israel's preciousness, unique beauty, and delightful spiritual aroma in God's eyes. The crucial phrase "which the LORD hath planted" further emphasizes that Israel's unique and valuable qualities are not inherent or self-generated but are divinely bestowed, cultivated, and sustained, making them a special, fragrant offering to the Lord. This imagery aligns beautifully with other biblical references to spiritual fragrance, such as believers being described as "the aroma of Christ to God" ([2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of Christ")).

**How does Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, come to pronounce such a blessing?**

Answer: Balaam was a renowned diviner hired by Balak, king of Moab, with the explicit intention of cursing Israel. However, the narrative in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and the Angel") consistently and powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign control over Balaam's words and actions. Despite Balaam's own mercenary intentions and Balak's persistent efforts, God repeatedly "put a word in Balaam's mouth" ([Numbers 23:5](/numbers/23-5 "Numbers 23:5 - God Puts a Word in Balaam's Mouth")) that was always a blessing for Israel, never a curse. This divine intervention highlights God's ultimate authority and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It demonstrates that even a pagan prophet can be an unwitting instrument in God's hands to declare His purposes, underscoring that God's plans for His chosen cannot be thwarted by any human will or opposition. This divine reversal is explicitly noted in [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned Balaam's Curse into a Blessing"), which states that "the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loved you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:6, with its rich and evocative imagery of a divinely planted and flourishing people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant community, the Church. While the verse describes Israel's physical and national prosperity, it points to a deeper spiritual reality embodied in Christ Himself. He is the true "plant of renown" ([Ezekiel 34:29](/ezekiel/34-29 "Ezekiel 34:29 - A Plant of Renown")) and, most significantly, the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")) from whom all spiritual life, sustenance, and fruitfulness flow. Just as the lign aloes and cedars were "which the LORD hath planted," so too is Christ the perfect, divinely planted Son, and through Him, believers are transformed into "trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified" ([Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Trees of Righteousness")). The Church, as the body of Christ, is the new Israel, spiritually spreading forth like valleys, flourishing like gardens by the river of living water that flows from Christ ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")), and standing strong and majestic like cedars, deeply rooted and built up in Him ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")). This verse, therefore, beautifully foreshadows the spiritual abundance, enduring strength, and preciousness of God's people, not based on their own merit, but solely on their union with Christ, who is the inexhaustible source of all divine blessing and eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Isaiah 58:11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Psalms 104:16

The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

Jeremiah 31:12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Joel 3:18

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Ezekiel 31:3

Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

Ezekiel 31:4

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.