Numbers 24:6

Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which the LORD has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
As the valleis, are they stretched forth, as gardes by the riuers side, as the aloe trees, which the Lord hath planted, as the cedars beside the waters.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
As valleys they have been stretched out, As gardens by a river; As aloes Jehovah hath planted, As cedars by waters;
Ask
See also
Psalms 1:3Isaiah 58:11Psalms 104:16Jeremiah 31:12Joel 3:18Ezekiel 31:3Ezekiel 31:4
See on the biblical-era map
Balak and Balaam
Balak and Balaam View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 4,453 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. Having recognized that "it pleased the LORD to bless Israel" (Numbers 24:1), 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 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, 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. 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, H174): 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, H3068): 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, H730): 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.

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 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).

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 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) 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, 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) and, most significantly, the "true vine" (John 15:1) 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). 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), and standing strong and majestic like cedars, deeply rooted and built up in Him (Colossians 2:7). 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.

Copy as

Commentary on Numbers 24 verses 1–9

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different.

I. The method of proceeding here varies much in several instances. 1. Balaam laid aside the enchantments which he had hitherto depended on, used no spells, or charms, or magic arts, finding they did him no service; it was to no purpose to deal with the devil for a curse, when it was plain that God was determined immovably to bless, Num 24:1. Sooner or later God will convince men of their folly in seeking after lying vanities, which cannot profit. To what purpose should he seek for enchantment? He knew that God was out of the reach of them. 2. He did not now retire into a solitary place as before, but set his face directly towards the wilderness where Israel lay encamped; and, since there is no remedy, but they must be blessed, he will design nothing else, but will submit by compulsion. 3. Now the Spirit of God came upon him, that is, the Spirit of prophecy, as upon Saul to prevent him from taking David, Sa1 19:23. He spoke not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. 4. He used a different preface now from what he had used before (Num 24:3, Num 24:4), much like that of David (Sa2 23:1-3), yet savouring very much (as some think) of pride and vain-glory, taking all the praise of this prophecy to himself, and magnifying himself as one of the cabinet-council of heaven. Two things he boasts of: - (1.) The favour God did him in making known himself to him. He heard the words of God, and saw the vision of the Almighty. God himself had met him and spoken to him (Num 23:16), and with this he was greatly puffed up. Paul speaks with humility of his visions and revelations (Co2 12:1), but Balaam speaks of his with pride. (2.) His own power to receive and bear those revelations. He fell into a trance indeed, as other prophets did, but he had his eyes open. This he mentions twice; but the words in the original are not the same. The man whose eyes were shut, some think it may be read so (Num 24:3-9), but now having his eyes open, Num 24:4. When he attempted to curse Israel, he owns, he was in a mistake, but now he began to see his error, and yet still he remained blinded by covetousness and ambition, those foolish and hurtful lusts. Note, [1.] Those that oppose God and his people will sooner or later be made to see themselves wretchedly deceived. [2.] Many have their eyes open that have not their hearts open, are enlightened, but not sanctified; and that knowledge which puffs men up with pride will but serve to light them to hell, whither many go with their eyes open.

II. Yet the blessing is for substance the same with those before. Several things he admires in Israel: -

1.Their beauty (Num 24:5): How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! Though they dwelt not in stately palaces, but in coarse and homely tents, and these, no doubt, sadly weather-beaten, yet Balaam sees a beauty in those tents, because of their admirable order, according to their tribes, Num 24:2. Nothing recommends religion more to the good opinion of those that look upon it at a distance than the unity and harmony of its professors, Psa 133:1. The amiableness of this people, and the great reputation they should gain among their neighbours, are compared (Num 24:6) to the beauty and sweetness of fruitful valleys and fine gardens, flourishing trees and fragrant spices. Note, Those whose eyes are open see the saints on the earth to be excellent ones, and their delight is accordingly in them. The righteous, doubtless, is more excellent than his neighbour. They are trees which the Lord has planted; that is their excellency. The branches of righteousness are the planting of the Lord. See Hos 14:5-7.

2.Their fruitfulness and increase. This may be intended by those similitudes (Num 24:6) of the valleys, gardens, and trees, as well as by those expressions (Num 24:7), He shall pour the water out of his buckets; that is, God shall water them with his blessing like rain from heaven, and then his seed shall be in many waters. Compare Hos 2:23, I will sow her unto me in the earth. And waters are in scripture put for peoples, and multitudes, and nations. This has been fulfilled in the wonderful increase of that nation and their vast multitude even in their dispersion.

3.Their honour and advancement. As the multitude of the people is the honour of the prince, so the magnificence of the prince is the honour of the people; Balaam therefore foretells that their king shall be higher than Agag. Agag, it is probable, was the most potent monarch in those parts; Balaam knew of none more considerable than he was; he rose above the rest of his neighbours. But Balaam foretells that Israel's chief commander, who, after Moses, was Joshua, should be more great and honourable than ever Agag was, and make a far better figure in history. Saul, their first king, triumphed over Agag, though, it is said, he came delicately.

4.Their power and victory, Num 24:8. (1.) He looks back upon what they had done, or rather what had been done for them: God brought them forth out of Egypt; this he had spoken of before, Num 23:22. The wonders that attended their deliverance out of Egypt contributed more to their honour, and the terror of their adversaries, than any thing else, Jos 2:10. He that brought them out of Egypt will not fail to bring them into Canaan, for, as for God, his work is perfect. (2.) He looks down upon their present strength. Israel hath, as it were, the strength of a unicorn, of which creature it is said (Job 39:9, Job 39:10), Will he be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind him with his band in the furrow? "No, Israel is too powerful to be checked or held in by my curses or thy armies." (3.) He looks forward to their future conquests: He shall eat up the nations his enemies; that is, "he shall not only destroy and devour them as easily and irresistibly as a lion does his prey, but he shall himself be strengthened, and fattened, and enriched, by their spoils."

5.Their courage and security: He lay down as a lion, as a great lion, Num 24:9. Now he does so in the plains of Moab, and asks no leave of the king of Moab, nor is he in fear of him; shortly will he do so in Canaan. When he has torn his prey, he will take his repose, quiet from the fear of evil, and bid defiance to all his neighbours; for who shall stir up a sleeping lion? It is observed of lions (as the learned bishop Patrick takes notice here) that they do not retire into places of shelter to sleep, but lie down any where, knowing that none dares meddle with them: thus secure were Israel in Canaan, chiefly in the days of David and Solomon; and thus is the righteous bold as a lion (Pro 28:1), not to assault others, but to repose themselves, because God maketh them to dwell in safety, Psa 4:8.

6.Their interest, and influence upon their neighbours. Their friends, and those in alliance with them, were happy: Blessed is he that blesseth thee; those that do them any kindness will certainly fare the better for it. But their enemies, and those in arms against them, were certainly miserable: Cursed is he that curseth thee; those that do them any injury do it at their peril; for God takes what is done to them, whether good or evil, as done to himself. Thus he confirms the blessing of Abraham (Gen 12:3), and speaks as if therefore he did at this time bless Israel, and not curse them, because he desired to share in the blessing of Israel's friends and dreaded the curse on Israel's enemies.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 24:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.