Numbers 24 6

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.

Numbers 24:6 nkjv

Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens by the riverside, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.

Numbers 24:6 niv

"Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters.

Numbers 24:6 esv

Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.

Numbers 24:6 nlt

They spread before me like palm groves,
like gardens by the riverside.
They are like tall trees planted by the LORD,
like cedars beside the waters.

Numbers 24 verses

Numbers 24 6 Meaning

Numbers 24:6 presents a poetic prophecy by Balaam, portraying Israel as a land and a people characterized by immense prosperity, stability, and divine establishment. It depicts them as expansive, lush, and abundantly fruitful, comparing them to verdant valleys stretching afar, well-watered gardens, rare and precious aloes directly planted by the Lord, and majestic, enduring cedars firmly rooted by constant waters. This imagery speaks to their numerical increase, flourishing settlement, unique identity, and God's unwavering provision and protection, directly refuting any attempts to bring a curse upon them.

Numbers 24 6 Context

Numbers chapter 24 records Balaam's third and fourth oracles concerning Israel, delivered after Balak's repeated attempts to induce him to curse the nation. Despite Balak's urging and changes of location, Balaam finds himself unable to speak anything but blessing, compelled by the Spirit of God (Num 24:2-3). This particular verse, part of his third oracle, visually counters any notion of Israel's weakness or vulnerability in the desert. Balaam, looking down from a high vantage point, sees not a scattered, threatened band, but a flourishing, extensively settled people. The prophecy highlights the contrast between the surrounding arid wilderness and the promised lushness of Israel, emphasizing God's sovereign power to establish and prosper His people despite external threats and the arid realities of their nomadic journey. This sets the stage for Israel's conquest and inhabitation of the fertile Promised Land, showcasing the immutability of God's covenant promises.

Numbers 24 6 Word analysis

• Like valleys (כִּנְחָלִים, kə-nəḥālîm): The Hebrew term nəḥālîm refers to "wadis" or dry riverbeds that become torrents after rain, supporting lush, often sudden, vegetation or referring more broadly to cultivated low-lying areas. It evokes imagery of vast, expansive stretches of fertile land, specifically like "palm groves" or broad fertile streams/riverbeds. It signifies a spreading out, suggesting Israel's rapid and extensive population growth and expansion into the land.
• are they spread forth (נִטָּיוּ, niṭṭāyû): Derived from naṭah, meaning "to stretch out," "extend," or "spread abroad." It emphasizes the sheer breadth and vastness of Israel's future settlement and prosperity, contrary to the scattered, confined vision Balak might have had. It implies extensive habitation and influence.
• Like gardens (כְּגַנֹּת, kə-gannōṯ): "Gardens" in the ancient Near East were highly prized, cultivated, and protected enclosures, symbolizing fruitfulness, order, beauty, and careful nurture. This image suggests Israel's planned and cared-for prosperity, not wild or uncontrolled growth, implying a divinely tended nation.
• by the riverside (עֲלֵי נָהָר, ‘alê nāhār): "Upon a river." The presence of a river is the ultimate source of life and sustenance in an arid land. This signifies a reliable, constant, and abundant source of water, ensuring sustained growth, fertility, and continuous flourishing for Israel. It underscores divine provision that never runs dry.
• Like aloes (כַּאֲהָלִים, ka-’ăhālîm): Hebrew ʾahālîm. This is not the medicinal aloe vera, but rather lign-aloes or agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis), a highly fragrant, valuable wood likely imported from India for perfumes, incense, and embalming (cf. Jn 19:39). Its presence indicates something rare, precious, exotic, and delightful. Here, the imagery points to Israel's unique, invaluable, and sweet influence or character among nations, established by God.
• planted (נָטַע, nāṭa‘): "To plant," specifically denoting a deliberate, intentional act of establishment. It highlights divine initiative and foresight in establishing Israel, contrasting with chance occurrence. God's act of planting guarantees deep roots, stable growth, and lasting fruit.
• by the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This explicit divine attribution is paramount. It confirms that Israel's flourishing is not due to human effort or circumstance, nor any other deity, but solely due to the direct, personal, and powerful intervention and commitment of the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes divine ownership and protection.
• Like cedars (כַּאֲרָזִים, ka-’ărāzîm): The cedars of Lebanon were famed for their enormous size, height, deep roots, strength, resilience, longevity, and majestic appearance. They symbolized power, stability, nobility, grandeur, and permanence in the ancient world. This imagery conveys Israel's future as a strong, enduring, and venerable nation.
• beside the waters (עֲלֵי מָיִם, ‘alê mayim): "Upon waters." This reiterates the vital sustenance, implying not just access to water but being deeply rooted within it, drawing continuous nourishment. For cedars, known to thrive in well-watered mountainous regions, it signifies robust, sustainable, and perpetually renewed strength and life.

Words-group analysis:

• "Like valleys are they spread forth, Like gardens by the riverside": This initial pairing sets the tone of immense geographical expansion combined with meticulous divine care and reliable sustenance. It speaks of quantitative growth (vast spread) and qualitative richness (cultivated fruitfulness) for the Israelite nation.
• "Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters": This second pairing moves from general agricultural prosperity to more profound, unique, and powerful spiritual and national attributes. The "aloes planted by the LORD" highlight Israel's singular preciousness and divine election, directly established and owned by God. The "cedars beside the waters" convey a final, unshakeable message of majestic strength, deep-rooted endurance, and perpetual flourishing, sustained by an unfailing divine source, making Israel invulnerable to external attempts at destruction.

Numbers 24 6 Bonus section

• The structure of the verse with its parallel comparisons (A...B, C...D) creates a sense of accumulating blessing, building from general fertility to specific, divinely ordained magnificence.
• The images portray Israel's future state within the Promised Land, where such fertility and prominent trees would be more common than in the current wilderness journey, signifying the fulfillment of God's land promises.
• This verse provides a strong testament to the sovereignty of God over all powers, even foreign prophets, confirming His unbreakable covenant with Israel and His unchangeable blessing.

Numbers 24 6 Commentary

Numbers 24:6 encapsulates Balaam's compelled vision of Israel's future glory. It is a powerful rebuttal to Balak's attempts to invoke barrenness and destruction. Through vivid horticultural metaphors, the verse paints a picture of unparalleled divine favor. Israel is not merely surviving in the desert but poised to blossom extensively, akin to fertile riverbeds or well-tended gardens receiving a perpetual supply of life-giving water. The crucial turn is the mention of "aloes planted by the LORD" and "cedars beside the waters." These aren't just generic signs of prosperity but point to a precious, unique, and eternally strong people. God Himself is the divine "Planter" and "Sustainer," ensuring Israel's unique identity and enduring stability. This prophecy transcends simple physical well-being; it foretells Israel's divinely secured national existence, unique purpose, and enduring presence in the world, rooted in Yahweh's immutable promises.