Numbers 24:6

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Numbers 24:6 is a poetic and powerful declaration of blessing upon the nation of Israel, spoken by the prophet Balaam, who was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse them. This verse describes the visual splendor and vitality of Israel, comparing them to flourishing landscapes and majestic trees, all sustained by divine provision.

Context

This verse is part of Balaam's third oracle, found in Numbers 24:1-9. Despite Balak's repeated attempts to induce Balaam to curse Israel, the Lord intervened, putting words of blessing into Balaam's mouth instead. This divine reversal highlights God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Balaam's prophecies are remarkable because they come from a non-Israelite prophet, yet they powerfully affirm God's plan for Israel, even foretelling the coming of a future ruler like the Star of Jacob in Numbers 24:17.

Meaning of the Verse

Balaam uses rich agricultural and natural imagery to paint a picture of Israel's prosperity and secure future:

  • "As the valleys are they spread forth": This suggests vastness, expansion, and fertile ground, indicating that Israel would grow and occupy much land.
  • "as gardens by the river's side": Gardens nourished by a constant water source are lush, productive, and beautiful. This symbolizes sustained vitality and fruitfulness, much like the imagery in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous person is compared to a tree planted by rivers of water.
  • "as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted": The "lign aloes" (Hebrew: ahalim or ahālot) refer to a fragrant, perhaps highly valued, tree. The significant phrase "which the LORD hath planted" emphasizes that Israel's flourishing is not by human effort or chance, but by divine design and sustenance.
  • "and as cedar trees beside the waters": Cedar trees, particularly the cedars of Lebanon, were renowned for their grandeur, strength, longevity, and deep roots, often found near water sources. This comparison signifies Israel's stability, majesty, endurance, and deep-rooted prosperity, a common biblical symbol of strength and permanence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Prosperity: The overriding theme is God's intention to bless Israel with abundance, security, and growth, even when others seek to harm them. This prosperity is not just material but also spiritual and national.
  • God's Sovereignty: The narrative demonstrates God's ultimate control over events and human intentions. He can turn a hired curse into a profound blessing, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 23:5.
  • The Beauty and Fruitfulness of God's People: The imagery portrays Israel as a vibrant, thriving entity, reflecting the beauty and fruitfulness that comes from being under God's care.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lign aloes" (ahalim or ahālot) is distinct from the common aloe vera plant. It likely refers to a type of fragrant wood, possibly from the aquilaria tree, which produces agarwood (aloeswood). This wood was highly prized for its aromatic qualities and used in perfumes and incense, signifying something precious and delightful. The "cedar trees" (Hebrew: erez) are the majestic cedars of Lebanon, known for their immense size, durability, and use in grand structures, symbolizing strength and nobility.

Practical Application

Numbers 24:6 reminds believers today of God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire to bless His people. Even when facing opposition or ill intentions from others, God has the power to turn adverse situations into opportunities for blessing and growth. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that our true sustenance and flourishing come from Him. Like the trees planted by the river, our spiritual vitality is dependent on being rooted in God's presence and nourished by His Word, enabling us to bear fruit and stand firm in faith, much like the call to put on the full armor of God described in Ephesians 6:11.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 1:3 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 31:12 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.