Tents and Dwellings, Aloe and Cedar

How goodly are your tents (“ohalecha”), O Jacob, your dwellings (“mishkanotecha”), O Israel! Like brooks stretched out, as gardens by the river, as aloes planted by the Lord, as cedars by the water.              Numbers 24:5-6

      Malbim explains that ohalim (“tents”) are temporary dwellings, while “mishkanot” are permanent. During the years of sojourn in the desert, the Israelites dwelt in tents, but Balaam saw that they were preparing to enter the Land, where they would have permanent dwellings.

      Balaam refers to the “tents of Jacob,” but to the Israelites’ future permanent dwellings in their Land as “dwellings of Israel,” because the name “Israel” is on a higher level than that of “Jacob,” for once the Israelites enter their Land, they will achieve a higher level and will be known as “Israel.”.

      Malbim continues by explaining that verse six continues the contrast between “ohalim” and “mishkanot.”. ”Brooks” are likely to dry out, symbolizing the transient nature of the Israelites’ experience in the desert. Rivers, on the other hand, flow eternally, symbolizing the permanent nature of the Israelites’ dwellings in their Land.

      Similarly, aloe is a plant which springs up and withers, to be replaced by other plants, again symbolizing the temporary aspect of the desert experience, while the “mishkanot,” permanent dwellings in the Land are as cedars, which are firmly rooted and survive for thousands of years.

      The analogy of the brook and river represents the abundance that the nation receives from God, which is comparable to water, which will never cease in the Holy Land. The analogy of the aloes and cedars signifies the nation itself and its existence, stability and strength, which can be realized only in the Land.