Numbers 24:5
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
Original Language Analysis
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
טֹּ֥בוּ
How goodly
H2895
טֹּ֥בוּ
How goodly
Strong's:
H2895
Word #:
2 of 6
to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense
אֹֽהָלֶ֖יךָ
are thy tents
H168
אֹֽהָלֶ֖יךָ
are thy tents
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
3 of 6
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
Historical Context
Israel's camp in the wilderness was organized by divine command (Numbers 2) with tribes positioned around the central tabernacle. From an elevated perspective, the arrangement formed a cross-shaped pattern with God's presence at the center. This divinely ordered community contrasted sharply with the chaotic pagan nations surrounding them. Their visible order testified to the God who dwelt among them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's presence among His people create visible order and beauty?
- What makes Christian community attractive to watching outsiders?
- How should churches reflect divine order in their corporate life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's oracle 'How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!' expresses involuntary admiration for Israel's encampment. The Hebrew ma tovu (how goodly/beautiful) shows aesthetic and moral approval. What Balak wanted Balaam to curse, God forced him to praise. The 'tents' and 'tabernacles' represent Israel's organized communal life under divine order. This blessing became so significant that Jewish synagogue liturgy begins with these words (Ma Tovu). The praise of Israel's dwelling reflects God's dwelling among them—their beauty came from His presence.