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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 24:6 They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/24-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_24_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 24:6 - Balaam's Third Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/24-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/24-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/24-5.htm" title="Numbers 24:5">◄</a> Numbers 24:6 <a href="/numbers/24-7.htm" title="Numbers 24:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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, <i>and</i> as cedar trees beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens by the riverside, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside a river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by Yahweh, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They stretch out like river valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They stretch out like river valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's like a grove of palm trees or a garden beside a river. You are like tall aloe trees that the LORD has planted, or like cedars growing near water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As valleys are they spread forth, As gardens by the river side, As lign-aloes which the LORD hath planted, As cedar trees beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Your tents spread out like rivers, like gardens by a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars by the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Like long rows of palms Or gardens beside a river, Like aloes planted by the LORD Or cedars beside the water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They're spread out like valleys, like gardens along river banks, like aloe planted by the LORD, or like cedars beside water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They are like valleys stretched forth, like gardens by the river's side, like aloes that the LORD has planted, and like cedar trees beside the waters. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As valleys they are spread forth, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which the LORD has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They have been stretched out as valleys, "" As gardens by a river; As aloes YHWH has planted, "" As cedars by waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As valleys they have been stretched out, As gardens by a river; As aloes Jehovah hath planted, As cedars by waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As valleys extended, as a garden by the river, as tents Jehovah pitched, as cedars by the waters.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As woody valleys, as watered gardens near the rivers, as tabernacles which the Lord hath pitched, as cedars by the waterside. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They are like forested valleys, like gardens irrigated next to rivers, like tabernacles which the Lord has fixed, like cedars close to waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like palm trees spread out, like gardens beside a river, Like aloes the LORD planted, like cedars beside water; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like palm groves that stretch far away, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Like the valleys that flow, like gardens by the river's side, like the tabernacle which the LORD has pitched, and like cedar trees beside the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />As the rivers flowing and like a gardenParadise beside the river and like the Tabernacle that LORD JEHOVAH planted and like the cedars by the waters.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As valleys stretched out, As gardens by the river-side; As aloes planted of the LORD, As cedars beside the waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />as shady groves, and as gardens by a river, and as tents which God pitched, and as cedars by the waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/24-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7532" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Balaam's Third Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: niṭ·ṭā·yū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">They spread out</a> <a href="/hebrew/5158.htm" title="5158: kin·ḥā·lîm (Prep-k:: N-mp) -- Or nachlah; or nachalah; from nachal in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; a valley; also a shaft.">like palm groves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1593.htm" title="1593: kə·ḡan·nōṯ (Prep-k:: N-fp) -- A garden. Feminine of gan; a garden.">like gardens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: nā·hār (N-ms) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">a stream,</a> <a href="/hebrew/174.htm" title="174: ka·’ă·hā·lîm (Prep-k:: N-mp) -- The aloe (a tree). Or ahalowth; of foreign origin; aloe wood.">like aloes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5193.htm" title="5193: nā·ṭa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To plant. A primitive root; properly, to strike in, i.e. Fix; specifically, to plant.">has planted,</a> <a href="/hebrew/730.htm" title="730: ka·’ă·rā·zîm (Prep-k:: N-mp) -- A cedar. From 'araz; a cedar tree.">like cedars</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mā·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">the waters.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a></span><br />He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a></span><br />The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-3.htm">Isaiah 44:3-4</a></span><br />For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. / They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7-8</a></span><br />But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/31-3.htm">Ezekiel 31:3-9</a></span><br />Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. / The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. / Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/14-5.htm">Hosea 14:5-7</a></span><br />I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. / His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. / They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-1.htm">Revelation 22:1-2</a></span><br />Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb / down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38</a></span><br />Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">Matthew 13:31-32</a></span><br />He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his field. / Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6-9</a></span><br />I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. / He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Colossians 2:7</a></span><br />rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-16.htm">Psalm 104:16</a></span><br />The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-15.htm">Isaiah 32:15-16</a></span><br />until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. / Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD has planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.</p><p class="hdg">pour</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-26.htm">Psalm 68:26</a></b></br> Bless ye God in the congregations, <i>even</i> the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Proverbs 5:16-18</a></b></br> Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, <i>and</i> rivers of waters in the streets… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">Isaiah 48:1</a></b></br> Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, <i>but</i> not in truth, nor in righteousness.</p><p class="hdg">many waters</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/93-3.htm">Psalm 93:3,4</a></b></br> The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/51-13.htm">Jeremiah 51:13</a></b></br> O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, <i>and</i> the measure of thy covetousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/17-1.htm">Revelation 17:1,15</a></b></br> And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: … </p><p class="hdg">his king</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Ezra 4:20</a></b></br> There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all <i>countries</i> beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6-10</a></b></br> Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-43.htm">Psalm 18:43</a></b></br> Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; <i>and</i> thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people <i>whom</i> I have not known shall serve me.</p><p class="hdg">Agag</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-8.htm">1 Samuel 15:8,9,32,33</a></b></br> And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword… </p><p class="hdg">his kingdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/5-12.htm">2 Samuel 5:12</a></b></br> And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a></b></br> And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/14-2.htm">1 Chronicles 14:2</a></b></br> And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Aloes</a> <a href="/numbers/19-6.htm">Cedar</a> <a href="/john/18-1.htm">Cedars</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-7.htm">Cedar-Trees</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">River</a> <a href="/exodus/7-15.htm">River's</a> <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">Riverside</a> <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">River-Side</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Side</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/exodus/39-9.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/numbers/14-32.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/numbers/13-20.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/numbers/21-22.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Aloes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Cedar</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Cedars</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-11.htm">Cedar-Trees</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-10.htm">Planted</a> <a href="/numbers/34-5.htm">River</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-6.htm">River's</a> <a href="/acts/16-13.htm">Riverside</a> <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">River-Side</a> <a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">Side</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-14.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Stretch</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/numbers/33-9.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/numbers/24-7.htm">Waters</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Balak, in anger, dismisses him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They spread out like palm groves</b><br>This phrase evokes the image of lush, expansive growth, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Palm groves were common in the ancient Near East, particularly in oasis regions, and were associated with life and sustenance. In biblical symbolism, palms often represent victory and triumph, as seen in the use of palm branches during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (<a href="/john/12-13.htm">John 12:13</a>). The spreading out suggests a flourishing and thriving community, reminiscent of the Israelites' growth and establishment in the Promised Land.<p><b>like gardens beside a stream</b><br>Gardens in the ancient world were places of beauty and fertility, often associated with divine blessing. The mention of a stream indicates a source of life-giving water, essential for sustaining such gardens. This imagery parallels the Garden of Eden, where a river watered the garden (<a href="/genesis/2-10.htm">Genesis 2:10</a>), symbolizing God's provision and care. Streams are also symbolic of spiritual nourishment and refreshment, as seen in <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>, where the righteous are likened to a tree planted by streams of water.<p><b>like aloes the LORD has planted</b><br>Aloes, known for their fragrant and medicinal properties, were highly valued in ancient times. The reference to the LORD planting them suggests divine intervention and intentionality in the growth and establishment of His people. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (<a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a>). The planting by the LORD emphasizes His sovereignty and the special care He takes in nurturing His chosen people.<p><b>like cedars beside the waters</b><br>Cedars, particularly those from Lebanon, were renowned for their strength, durability, and majestic stature. They were used in the construction of the temple (<a href="/1_kings/6-9.htm">1 Kings 6:9-10</a>), symbolizing stability and permanence. The placement beside waters suggests a continual source of nourishment and strength, ensuring their growth and resilience. This imagery reflects the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and foreshadows the eternal kingdom established through Jesus Christ, who is often associated with strength and kingship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers blessings from God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whom Balak seeks to curse.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region where Balak rules and where Balaam is brought to curse Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who controls Balaam's prophecies and turns intended curses into blessings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_blessing.htm">God's Sovereignty in Blessing</a></b><br>Despite human intentions to curse, God's will prevails, and He turns curses into blessings for His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/imagery_of_abundance_and_life.htm">Imagery of Abundance and Life</a></b><br>The imagery of palm groves, gardens, aloes, and cedars signifies prosperity, stability, and divine favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites were blessed and protected, believers today can trust in God's provision and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Balaam's inability to curse Israel highlights the power and authority of God's word over human plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_growth_and_fruitfulness.htm">Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness</a></b><br>Like trees planted by water, believers are called to be rooted in God's word, growing and bearing fruit in their spiritual lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 24</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_will_empty_words_comfort_me.htm">What does the Bible mention about Lebanon?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/any_records_of_cedar,_hyssop,_yarn_use.htm">Numbers 19:6: Are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the use of cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn in sacrificial rituals?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_herod_the_great.htm">Who was Ithamar in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">As gardens by the river's side.--</span>It is probable that the allusion may be to the Euphrates, although the definite article is not prefixed to the word <span class= "ital">nahar </span>(river) in the Hebrew. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/7-20.htm" title="In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.">Isaiah 7:20</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">As cedar trees beside the waters.</span>-The difference between cedars which grow beside running water which their roots can reach, and the ordinary type of cedars which throw out their strength in lateral branches is illustrated in <a href="/context/ezekiel/31-3.htm" title="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 31:3-4</a>, where the proud Assyrian is compared to a cedar having "his top among the thick boughs" (or, the clouds), which "the waters made great." (Comp. <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm" title="And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.">Psalm 1:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm" title="The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.">Psalm 92:12</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As the valleys,</span> <span class="cmt_word">or,</span> "as the torrents" (<span class="hebrew">נְחָלִים</span>), which pour down in parallel courses from the upper slopes. As gardens by the river's side. <span class="cmt_word">The river</span> (<span class="hebrew">נָהָר</span>), as in <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5</a>) means the Euphrates. Balaam combines the pleasant imagery of his own cultivated land with that of the wilder scene amidst which he now stood. <span class="cmt_word">As</span> <span class="cmt_word">the trees of lign aloes.</span> <span class="hebrew">אָהָלִים</span>. Aloe trees, such as grew in the further east, where Balaam had perhaps seen them. <span class="cmt_word">Which the Lord hath planted,</span> or, "the Lord's planting," a poetical way of describing their beauty and rarity (cf. <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-16.htm">Psalm 104:16</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/24-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They spread out</span><br /><span class="heb">נִטָּ֔יוּ</span> <span class="translit">(niṭ·ṭā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like palm groves,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּנְחָלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(kin·ḥā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5158.htm">Strong's 5158: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like gardens</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּגַנֹּ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḡan·nōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1593.htm">Strong's 1593: </a> </span><span class="str2">A garden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beside</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a stream,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָהָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(nā·hār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stream, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like aloes</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲהָלִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·hā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_174.htm">Strong's 174: </a> </span><span class="str2">The aloe (a tree)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has planted,</span><br /><span class="heb">נָטַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṭa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5193.htm">Strong's 5193: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike in, fix, to plant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like cedars</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲרָזִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·rā·zîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_730.htm">Strong's 730: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cedar tree</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beside</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the waters.</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/24-6.htm">Numbers 24:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/24-6.htm">OT Law: Numbers 24:6 As valleys they are spread forth as (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/24-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 24:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/24-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 24:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>