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 24:6KJV
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Numbers 24:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 24:6 mean?

Numbers 24:6 uses vivid nature imagery to describe the people of Israel as flourishing, well-watered, and planted by God, comparing them to valleys, gardens by rivers, aloes, and cedar trees beside water. The verse paints a picture of abundance, strength, and divine care for Israel.

In this verse, the prophet Balaam is speaking, delivering a blessing over Israel instead of the curse that Balak, the king of Moab, had hoped for. Balaam describes Israel’s prosperity and security using comparisons to lush landscapes and strong trees, emphasizing that their well-being comes from the LORD’s (יהוה, Yahweh’s) own planting and provision.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 24:6

  • valleys (נַחַל, nachal): This word often refers to a wadi or a stream bed, suggesting a place that is fertile and full of life when water is present. The image is of Israel as a land that is naturally fruitful.
  • aloes (אֲהָלִים, ahalim): This plant is known for its fragrance and rarity in the ancient world. Comparing Israel to aloes highlights their preciousness and special status.
  • planted (נָטַע, nata‘): The verb here points to intentional action by God, emphasizing that Israel’s flourishing is not accidental but the result of divine care.
  • trees (אֶרֶז, erez): Refers specifically to cedar trees, which were symbols of strength and durability. The comparison underlines Israel’s stability and prominence.

Why Numbers 24:6 matters

  • Numbers 24:6 clarifies that Israel’s prosperity and security are not self-made but are the result of God’s deliberate blessing and planting.
  • The verse stands out in the story because Balaam, though hired to curse Israel, is compelled to speak only what God allows, highlighting God’s sovereignty over Israel’s fate.
  • The imagery connects to earlier biblical themes of God planting and tending His people, helping readers see Israel’s story as part of a larger pattern of divine care and purpose.

Where else these words appear

“aloes” Hebrew H174 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
  • Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
  • Song of Solomon 4:14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:

“gardens” Hebrew H1593 · used in 12 verses

  • Job 8:16 He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.
  • Isaiah 1:30 For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.
  • Jeremiah 29:5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

“planted” Hebrew H5193 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
  • Jeremiah 12:2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

“trees” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:3 And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
  • Psalms 148:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: