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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּנְחָלִ֣ים
As the valleys
H5158
כִּנְחָלִ֣ים
As the valleys
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
1 of 11
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
נִטָּ֔יוּ
are they spread forth
H5186
נִטָּ֔יוּ
are they spread forth
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
2 of 11
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עֲלֵ֣י
H5921
עֲלֵ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נָהָ֑ר
by the river's side
H5104
נָהָ֑ר
by the river's side
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
5 of 11
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
נָטַ֣ע
hath planted
H5193
נָטַ֣ע
hath planted
Strong's:
H5193
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּֽאֲרָזִ֖ים
and as cedar trees
H730
כַּֽאֲרָזִ֖ים
and as cedar trees
Strong's:
H730
Word #:
9 of 11
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
Cross References
Psalms 1:3And 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.Psalms 104:16The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;Isaiah 58:11And 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.
Historical Context
These metaphors would resonate powerfully with Balak viewing Israel from drought-prone Moab. Water imagery symbolized life and prosperity in the arid Near East. The comparison to cedars of Lebanon (the region's most majestic trees) and aromatic aloes indicated nobility and value. Balaam's oracle prophesied Israel's future prosperity in Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's planting ensure His people's fruitfulness versus self-effort?
- What does it mean to be rooted by streams of water in a spiritual sense?
- How should believers cultivate dependence on God for spiritual fruitfulness?
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Analysis & Commentary
The agricultural metaphors—'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'—picture abundance, fruitfulness, and permanence. The Hebrew imagery moves from horizontal spread (valleys, gardens) to vertical height (aloes, cedars), showing complete blessing. The phrase 'which the LORD hath planted' establishes that Israel's flourishing comes from divine cultivation, not human effort. This anticipates Jesus' metaphor of the vine (John 15:5)—fruitfulness flows from abiding in Him.