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.
They spread out like valleys, like gardens beside a river, like aloe trees that the LORD has planted, and like cedar trees growing by the water.
This verse describes how God's people flourish and spread out beautifully, like well-watered gardens and strong trees planted by rivers.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Numbers, Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, but God intervened and turned his words into blessings. This verse is part of Balaam's third oracle, where he uses vivid poetic imagery to describe the Israelites as flourishing and divinely favored, comparing them to lush valleys and trees planted by the Lord. Such descriptions reflect the ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of using nature metaphors to convey God's provision and the prosperity of a people under His care.
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